On What Are You Meditating?
“Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be
sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”
Joshua 1:8 NLT
Joshua is a great example of a man who trusted God and not only believed His Word, but also acted on it. Joshua knew the value of hearing God’s Word and meditating on it. Meditation means to consider any thought, to dwell on anything, to study or revolve any subject in one’s mind. Take a look at the word dwell and what comes to mind? Did you think of a permanent residence or extended stay in some place? That is how believers should treat the Word of God. We should not take it lightly; instead, we should carefully ponder it so that it can take up residence in our hearts.
When we are aware of God’s Word, we can make decisions according to His Word. We can pray according to His will. In high school or college, we took a course of study to become more knowledgeable and to develop our skills in a particular area. How much more should we study the Word of God?
We keep looking to the world to give us keys to success. But lasting success comes from knowing what God tells us to do and doing what He tells us to do. This passage of Scripture paints a picture of a person who knows the Word of God so intently that he understands what he needs to do, when he needs to do it, and he has good success when he acts on it.
Would you like to prosper in everything you do? Would you like to succeed in everything? If you’re like me, you probably answered, “Yes.” What are you meditating on? We cannot spend so much time and energy being consumed with worldly pleasures and things that lack substance and still believe that we will be successful. If we are consumed with social media, the likes and followers, then we cannot hear clearly from God. The most important thing is to know and trust the Word of God.
If we are deficient in wisdom in any area of our lives, we should start with the Word. When we find out what the Word says about our situations, we can memorize it, highlight it, and put it into practice. The Word known but not applied will not bring us victory. If I know there is food in the refrigerator, but I do not take the time to eat it, I will not receive the nutrients it gives, and my physical body will become weaker.
This is what happens in the natural world, and what happens in the spiritual world is no different. If I do not take the time to feed my spirit, it will become weaker as my flesh becomes stronger. If we want godly results, we have to do things God’s way. God’s victory in our lives comes through applying the principles of His Word, but we cannot apply what we do not know.
Reflection: Have you made God’s Word a priority in your life? What practical things can you put in place so that you can have a healthy spiritual diet and godly success?
Prayer: Father, in the days ahead, increase my hunger for Your Word. Let me digest Your Word, meditate on it, and treasure it in my heart. Thank You for showing me the way to prosper. As I obey, I will have success. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Upcoming Connect 21 Events
- Prayer Masterclass (Wednesday, Jan 24th via YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@linkedupnorth)
- Saturday Morning Prayer (Jan 27th @ 9 am at The Way Woodstock 109 Towne Lake Pkwy, Woodstock GA)
- Sunday Morning Worship (Jan 28th @ 10 am at River Ridge High School)