In Proverbs 16:33, we learn that casting lots was a common way to determine God’s providential will in a matter. Two men would have a dispute, and rather than fight it out, they would appeal to God’s providence in casting lots. While this seems very foreign to us and the way we settle disputes, the principle behind the practice is a valuable one to learn. How often do we appeal to God’s will in resolving a conflict? I do not just mean His revealed will, but also His providential workings that we cannot discern or understand so much of the time. This reminds me of the words of Jesus, when He said “blessed are the meek”. Those who are meek are humble and gentle, because they have learned to be content with the will of God and his providential dealings with them. This is not an easy thing, but it should be what we are striving toward. There is no room for self-pity in meekness, but rather a thankful spirit in all things. This isn’t spiritually burying our heads in the sand, but rather by faith laying hold on and believing the promises of God.