Determining the Lord's Will

One of the toughest questions posed is … “How do you determine God’s will for a particular area of your life?” Although the Bible gives some great direction for believers in the midst of life dilemmas, sometimes we face such tough questions and choices that it is difficult to discern the Lord’s will in a particular matter.

When the Lord gave Moses and the people of Israel His Law to govern them and lead them, He appears to have provided them with a path of Divine direction during difficult decisions. And His means of providing this guidance is fascinating. The High Priest (Aaron, Moses brother, was the original High Priest) was instructed to carry the Urim and Thummim in his priestly garments. These mysterious objects were described by the Lord as follows:

“Insert the Urim and Thummim into the sacred chestpiece so they will be carried over Aaron’s heart when he goes into the Lord’s presence. In this way, Aaron will always carry over his heart the objects used to determine the Lord’s will for his people whenever he goes in before the Lord.” (Exodus 20:30 NLT).

According to the Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary, the Urim and Thummim “were two objects that served as sacred lots. That is they were used to determine God’s will or to receive a divine answer to a question.” Isn’t it amazing that the Lord worked through “dice like” objects to help guide His people three thousand years ago?

We don’t know what happened to the Urim and Thummim, nor am I recommending that you “roll the dice” or “flip a coin” in making a big decision in life. And yet this fascinating tidbit in Scripture demonstrates that the Lord does care about His people and that He is willing to intervene in our lives to give us direction and guidance.

If you are facing a big decision today or in the near future, then remember that the Lord cares for you and that if you seek His direction that He is willing to give it. Possibly He will guide us today … not through the “casting of lots,” but through one or all of the following: guidance found in His written word, the Bible; a clear specific answer given to a specific prayer; and/or the wise counsel of a trusted Christian friend.

Isn’t it good to know that God cares personally for you and me?


Corresponding Bible Reading: Exodus 28:1-29:46