Proverbs 16:33
33 The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.
Legendary basketball coach John Wooden said, "“Things turn out best for the people who make the best of the way things turn out.” If you're anything like me, you're usually bent on figuring things out. I'm guilty of wringing my hands, scractching my head, and over-analyzing in an effort to work out the best solution. I'm guilty of disobeying Psalm 27:14.
Psalm 27:14 says, "Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord."
How often I forget Proverbs 3:5-6. "Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
I know where to find Romans 8:28 in my Bible and I believe it to be true; but, it is not always easy to see how God is going to work things out for good.
In the rush of the Christmas season, while trying to make everything just right, I have neglected to be sure I am right with God. In a season where we sing about calm, I find myself fretting and figuring and frustrated. And again, the Psalmist speaks to my heart: "Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him:fret not thyself...." (Psalm 37:7). I find myself in need of a spiritual hush, a holy calm.
What about you? Perhaps this is the Christmas you come to realize that you are not anchored to Jesus. Too often we are anchored to our emotions or feelings. We attach our hopes to a day or event, but when that day or event doens't turn out according to our plans, then what? Enter despair, frustration, and a Bah-humbug! The wisdom of Scripture calls us to remember that "the lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD." What does this proverb mean to teach us?
This proverb refers to the pocket of the ephod in which the urium and thummim were kept. These were two stones by which the Lord gave true judgment and guidance in Old Testament times.
Exodus 28:30
30 And thou shalt put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be upon Aaron’s heart, when he goeth in before the Lord: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel upon his heart before the Lord continually.
Urim and thummim represent "light and perfection." It refers to "that which is brought to light." It also has reference to moral perfection, in the case of an accused individual being found innocent. The picture here is that the LORD sovereignly rules and overrules in all things. The Lord ruled and overruled the way the land was divided among the tribes and families of Israel. He controlled the division by lot. The high priest would cast the lot, thus revealing God's will and decision on matters. In New Testament times we do not need to cast lots. We have a completed Bible and an indwelling Holy Spirit. God in His wisdom preserved His truth as a reliable source of comfort and confidence when we are distressed and in need of guidance. And God, by His grace, has given us the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
Psalm 31:15 says, "My times are in thy hand:"
I need the reminder that my very life is in the loving hands of my Heavenly Father. My day - every second, minute, hour - it is under His sovereign watchcare. While I must always take responsibility for my life and live my day with intentionality, God has the final say on each day. In forgetting this it is no wonder I huff and puff, snarl and complain about any turn of events that I did not have planned, scheduled, or approved. I have my thoughts and ideas of how I want my day to proceed. I have my dream laid out of what this and every Christmas should look like; but that always has the potential to be altered.
Psalm 27:1 reminds us: "Boast not thyself of to morrow; for thou knowest not what a day may bring forth."
Even then, nothing catches God by surprise. Therefore, we can confidently trust Him in all days and with our days. This Christmas, anchor to Jesus! It becomes very easy to rush through the season and neglect the One who makes everything right. Each and every season belongs to Christ. Commit this Christmas to Him. Commit your heart to His keeping. Anchor to Jesus this Christmas!
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