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)

Can you imagine having to follow Moses, one of the greatest leaders of the Old Testament? Moses had led the people out of Egypt with great signs and wonders, he had written the first five books of the Bible, and now Joshua had the responsibility to lead the nation into the promised land.

Joshua no doubt felt the magnitude of the responsibility in his new assignment. Three times God encouraged Joshua to “be strong and courageous” (Joshua 1:6, 7, 9).

God gave Joshua the keys to achieve success from God’s perspective. First, we are to reflect upon the Word of God. When we ponder God’s promises and meditate on the implications for our lives, it can change us from the inside out. Next, God commanded Joshua to respond in obedience to the Word of God.

How are you doing at meditating on God’s word and keeping His commandments? We may think we’re doing well in comparison to others, but how are we really doing? When we walk in obedience we can expect God to fulfill His promises.

We are to rely upon the promises of the Word of God. At times we can be discouraged in our personal lives and with our circumstances, but as we meditate on His word and respond in obedience, God can make our way prosperous and successful.