Daily Devotion: The Blessings of Meditating on God's Word

Scripture
Joshua 1: 1-9
Main Verse:
Joshua 1: 8
Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Observation:
Joshua was appointed by God to lead the people of Israel to the Promised Land after Moses died. He was a great military leader who won many battles for the Israelites, but it is interesting that the Lord kept telling him to "be strong and courageous" (verses 6, 7 & 9). Perhaps, because they have been wandering in the desert for 40 years, he felt overwhelmed by the great responsibility that has been given to him. Perhaps, he is afraid because there is no more Moses to lead them.

As the new leader, the Lord promised Joshua that He will take care of him and prosper him in everything that he will do:
1. An enlarged territory - "I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west." (verses 3-4)
2. God's protection - "No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life." (v. 5)
3. A successful and prosperous life - “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." (verses 7-8)
4. God's presence at all times - "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you."; "Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” (verses 5 & 9)

Application:
The Lord wants to bless us, but there are conditions before He can truly and generously pour out his blessings upon us. We cannot expect God to bless us if we are disobedient to Him or are living in sin. We can only be strong in our faith in the Lord, be able to resist sin, be able to act carefully if we truly understand what God wants us to do. His command is clear and His conditions are simple: "Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful." Our God is a predictable God. We have the assurance of his blessings if we follow his commands.

Prayer:
Father, thank you because through reading your word, I continue to know You. You amaze me, Lord. I want to know you more through your Word. Teach me and help me to meditate on your words day and night so that I may receive the countless blessings that come with keeping your Law. AMEN.