Joshua 1_8
December 21
Happy Friday Everyone,
The scripture for today is Joshua 1:8
Joshua 1:8 This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.
Joshua had the responsibility of leading the nation of Israel during one of the most important periods of its existence; the invasion and conquering of the nations in the land of Canaan. With such a monumental task ahead of him and a youthful and relatively inexperienced army to lead, how could he possibly enter a land of powerful nations with fortified cities, experienced armies and great military might? In our text for today, God gives him the solution to overcoming these obstacles. By hiding the word of God in his heart, meditating on it and speaking it consistently, success would be the guaranteed outcome.
There was a copy of the scrolls in the sanctuary, but its presence there alone was not sufficient to meet Joshua's needs. A Bible at church or on the shelf does little good. God explained to him that he needed to speak His word without ceasing and meditate in it day and night. God is telling Joshua to let His word dictate his conversation and behavior. In order to do that, Joshua had to be first and foremost a student of the word of God. He had to have the word of God living in his heart. And finally, Joshua was told that if he did those things, his way would be prosperous and he would have good success. What did those words mean to Joshua? They meant that if he followed God's instructions, he would not have to worry about the powerful nations he was soon to confront. He would not have to worry about how over matched he was. He would have the word of the living God permeating his very being, against which no enemy would be able to stand. As we follow these instructions, we, like Joshua, will receive the same benefits.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim