Joshua 1:8 – Meditate on This!

“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)

What wise words to empower the new leader, Joshua! We can take this message to heart because the promise is still valid and applicable for us today. We know this “Book of Instruction” to be called the Bible. As we read God’s Word, we glean wisdom we can find in no other source. The words of Scripture are truth for life, an instruction manual from God himself.

Context: This verse falls early in the first chapter of the Book of Joshua. You will recall Joshua was the leader God chose to follow in Moses’ footsteps. Can you imagine that assignment! Joshua was the one who led the people into the Promised Land after 40 years of roaming around the wilderness. God’s charge to Joshua was to be courageous and know he was not alone. The Book of Instruction was a guide to serve him well.

If God wanted Joshua to “obey everything written in it”, I can’t imagine God has changed his mind now. Just because we haven’t been called to lead the chosen people into the Promised Land doesn’t mean we haven’t been given a job to do for God’s kingdom. What better source to receive our instruction and guidance!

I realize some people today think the Bible is no longer relevant. I don’t happen to be one of those people. To the contrary, I think we are even more in need of the wisdom contained in this holy book. What a privilege to have access to so much more than Joshua did when he was commissioned for duty. Such a gift!

God’s promise here can’t be denied either. He told Joshua he would “prosper and succeed” if he obeyed these texts. With all the self-help books on the shelves these days and focus on wealth, success, and power, why wouldn’t we want to listen to this text? Those books on the shelves may make big promises, but God’s promises are the ones we can trust.

We’re even told how often to read the Bible. “Continually,” it says. Not just once a week, but often. I knew something in my life was missing when I didn’t make reading the Bible the priority this verse suggests. Now that I intentionally spend time with God in his word every day, I feel less empty and directed. My life has more meaning than I would ever have imagined. What did I change? Spending time in God’s word.

As a pastor’s wife, it’s hard to admit that Bible reading was something that got left for the times I was prepping for a Sunday School class or sitting in the pew on Sunday. I often marveled at how members in the congregation seemed so at peace, only to learn that they spent time “continually” reading their Bibles. I was a little jealous.

Making time for God’s Word has changed my life. It can change yours, too. Obeying God’s instructions has given me a freedom I didn’t understand before. When you don’t have to wonder how to act or what to believe, there is peace. Can you relate? If not, spend more time with God meditating on his Word. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal these truths to you when you are ready.

Let’s pray. Father God, your word is a lamp unto my feet and a guide for my life. Thank you for each nugget that you reveal to me as I read and reflect. Forgive me for times I have not obeyed and fall short of your desires for me. Help me to be a better steward of all the abundance you have blessed me with. I want to be courageous when sharing my faith with others so they will know the freedom and confidence you bring. Guide my steps and open my eyes to understand you more. In Jesus’ name. Amen.