The Prosperous Life

“Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” –Joshua 1:7-8

Moses has died.  Joshua is stepping into the shoes of the leader of Israel.  God has an opportunity to commission the new shepherd.  Does He give Joshua practical advice about where they are headed or how to deal with the complaints of the people?  Does He outline battle strategies or tips for leading a people?  No.  Instead, He points this second leader to the law of God, saying that “If you want tips for success in this field you are entering, read the Book.  If you want to know how to deal with My people, read this.  If you want to lead my people wisely and reach the Promised Land safely, this Book has all the tools you will need.”

God pointed to the manual, the guide for success, that is, the Bible.  However, He wasn’t just satisfied with Joshua reading it.  He knew that in order to be prosperous, we must dive much deeper into the Book of the Law.  We must be memorizing it and meditating on it, so that in all things we may be prosperous and successful.

Just as rain causes the earth to prosper, so God’s Word, the living water, causes us to prosper.  But the rain must be allowed to soak up.  If the rain falls on asphalt, it can’t soak into the ground, and the earth does not prosper and bear fruit.  If God’s Word does not penetrate our souls through meditation and memorization, than we cannot bear the fruit of a prosperous life.  Strong’s Concordance translates prosperous as tsalach, meaning “to advance, prosper, make progress, succeed, be profitable.”  It implies success particularly within the realm of their physical battles.  Why would they be successful by merely following a list of rules concerning their conduct?  Because this adherence to the law put God on their side, and He was fighting for them, not against them. 

It is the same now.  When we are listening to and keeping the Word of God, then our way will be prosperous because of the God who is for us.  The 1828 Dictionary defines prosperous as, “to be successful; to succeed; to grow or increase; to thrive; to make gain.”  When we are prosperous spiritually, we are bearing the fruits of the spirit, and increasing in our knowledge of God.  We aren’t stagnate in our faith, but are moving to new heights and scaling over new mountains.  We are moving forward in our relationships as well, gaining happiness and pleasure from those around us.  Why?  Well, because we are following Christ’s commands to love, more people want to be around us.  Do you like to hang out with someone who is always looking for ways to serve?  Be the servant, and watch what happens.  Be the encourager and observe how your friendships change.  Hide God’s Word in your heart, and watch as every area of your life begins to prosper.