Read: Proverbs 16:33
“We may throw the dice, but the LORD determines how they fall.”
Understand:
- What is your interpretation of this verse? What does it mean to throw dice?
Listen: Perhaps one of the hardest things for us to do sometimes is to make a decision. In the article, “Why is it difficult to make a decision?” written by Dr. Carrie Barron and included in Psychology Today in August 2014, Dr. Barron points out that there are several reasons people struggle with making a decision. Those reasons can include depression, being pessimistic, having a low self-esteem, fear of disappointment or rejection or making the wrong decision, worrying about feelings of guilt, or feeling ignorant. When you look at this list, those have a punch to them and it’s not always easy to throw them aside and just make the decision. Dr. Barron explains that examining the underlying cause of why you are having trouble making the decision is a key to regaining “optimism, motivation . . . and the energy for action.” In other words, if we take time to really consider why we are struggling with making the decision instead of focusing on the decision itself, then working through those issues, we can alleviate the stress that comes from making decisions in the future.
When I read our Scripture verse for today, this really helps me when thinking about decision making. I believe that God will bring things before us in order to accomplish His will. I also believe that whether or not we decide to do something or not to do it, that He will still accomplish what He set out to accomplish; however, He will choose someone else to do it. He gives us the opportunity to be a part of His story and we get to decide if we would like to help Him. Remember, He doesn’t need us to do anything. He allows us to be a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to His story but He doesn’t demand we do it. Look at our verse again, we can throw the dice. In other words, we can say “Okay, I’m going to do this and see what happens.” But, just remember, that God is the One who determines how those dice will fall. Have confidence in His faithfulness and allow Him to map the course. Trust Him. That helps me make decisions. It’s releasing personal control knowing, full well, that God is going to accomplish amazing things anyway.
Pray: Dear Heavenly Father, help us to always trust You. We don’t always see the big picture and sometimes we allow ourselves to be intimidated by what is before us. Help us to always remember that You are the One who determines the outcome and to trust that You are guiding us to make the right decision. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
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