The title sounds like a cheap infomercial on late night TV. But, don’t we all desire success in whatever we do? In my morning quiet time, I read the following:
This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success. (Joshua 1:8 emphasis added)
The promise was made to Joshua, successor to Moses, one of the greatest men in the Bible and a hard act to follow. However, if Joshua made it his habit to spend time in the Word of God on a daily basis, his success would be guaranteed by God.
Was this some sort of spiritual-magical formula that God set up, that if Joshua does A, then God would do B? Well, not really. I believe that in the continual meditation on God’s word a person learns to see the world and himself through God’s eyes. If the old adage is true that you become like those with whom you associate, then by associating with God in His word, you become more like Him. And it is by knowing God that we become successful in living the life He wants for us.
Just think of it, daily filtering your thoughts through Scripture, reading the Bible every morning and evening, before the day begins, and before the idle brain time of sleep. To be sure you will not remember everything you read, but over time the Word will have its effect in your life, by the power of the Holy Spirit at work in your life.
Notice, that meditating on God’s word is only part of the plan. The other part is “to do according to all that is written.” After all, it is the wise man who doesn’t just admire the rock, but “builds” his house upon the rock (Matt 7:24-27).
If God could guarantee Joshua success in his huge assignment of leading the people of Israel in conquering the land, could He not also bring success into your life as you live for His purposes in your life, namely, living for His glory?
A very good follow-up to John’s sermon on “How to Delight in Scripture” at Crossroads Bible Fellowship yesterday. God seems to be reinforcing a theme here. Thanks for sharing.