“Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them. 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. Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
God shared with Joshua some of the prerequisites for success. This is the prescription. Recognize it is not by our works and understand it is by His grace. The Bible is also clear that success is not by man's definition, but God's.
The first step is to continue in the faith. God knew there were giants in the land. He knew there would be battles won and lost, but that didn't mean God didn't know the outcome. Faith is looking to God when you are not in the battle so you know He is faithful to carry you through the battle. It is easy to say don't be afraid, but tell that to a soldier under fire. Faith is responding to the task and leaving the results up to God. The only way to begin to win those spiritual battles in our lives is to be strong and very courageous in your focus on God.
If the coach is to build a strong team, he does so by daily practice of putting the players through their paces to exercise their muscles. God tells Joshua to get into the Bible and make it his priority every day. Read it; think about it; memorize it; learn it. Look into the great plays of the Bible and know they don't come from you, they come from God. To put you in listening mood study God’s book.
In the philosophies and opinions of this world you will be confused and not have a clue of what is right or wrong, and wise or foolish. Let God’s word become a part of you so you can immediately identify false teaching. Consistency is a necessary part of one's practice and habit.
Meditate is defined by Webster as "to think deeply." The application is to read with thoughtfulness, to linger over God's Word. In the Hebrew language this word means to chew, digest, and allow it to become a part of your very being. It's like a song that you can't get out of your head. It keeps coming back over and over again. That is the idea. Ask God’s Spirit to reveal something of importance to you to apply or praise or pray about from it. Talk it over with Him. That is prayer.
Memorize what you find meaningful. By memorizing it you will review it and God might give you further insight. Many times success comes in the midst of failures. As Joshua began his journey in the Promised Land, they won the victory, but not every battle. With confession, persistence, and refocusing on God and His word, Joshua kept getting back on track. Begin with Him and when you slip, get up again, just like Joshua.
Application: May you have a blessed New Year with what is needed to sort out the priorities by putting God first.
Prayer: Lord, guide me through Your Word as You did with Joshua. When I stray, bring me back. As I meditate on Your Word, empower me to push the enemy off the land You promise me.
