Power in the Promises

Last time, we read Joshua 1:8. Let’s read it again, “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.” What is promised if we obey the command? Joshua, Moses’ successor, was tasked with leading the Israelites into the Promised Land. In order to be successful in doing so, he had to teach the Israelites principles from the Word of God so they could study and meditate on it. If they did, God promised them prosperity and success in all they did. The same promise holds true for us today. 

The word “meditate” has several connotations today, but the ancient Israelites knew it as the Hebrew word hagah which is “to mutter, to ruminate.” Muttering makes us think of someone obsessing over their thoughts. Ruminating actually means “chewing the cud.” Yes, like a cow, chew on it to get the nutrients out, chew on it again and again all day long. The Israelites knew it meant if they “chewed” on the Word all day long, they could internalize the Word and do what it said – in other words, hagah was the way to have the Word come alive in their lives. The good news is meditating on the Word today will do the same – bring the Word alive in our lives! 

How do we meditate on God’s Word? It begins with reading and studying the Word daily, but it also means we must find Scripture we can speak, reminding us of God’s truth. When God’s Word comes from our mouths, it builds our faith, and we can speak His promises over our situations and circumstances. In doing so, John tells us in 1 John 4:4, “But you belong to God, my dear children. You have already won a victory over those people, because the Spirit who lives in you is greater than the spirit who lives in the world.” 

This week, may we study His Word, speak His Word aloud over our lives, and live in obedience to Him as we thankfully accept the prosperity and success, He desires for us. Let’s meditate on His Word day and night and discover the power in His promises.