Written Nudges | Meditate on the Word

“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.”  Joshua 1:8

God’s voice settled around Joshua like a royal robe. He had been chosen as Moses’ predecessor and God was giving final instructions before Joshua, the mighty warrior, became Joshua, leader of the Israelites. Of utmost importance to God was the law He had given His people. They were not to take it as friendly advice; they were to make it part of them. God had a dream for His people and it would never be realized if they continued to chase the wicked practices of the pagan nations around them. Yahweh, the Creator, wanted a holy nation that would showcase His glory to the world. He had chosen Israel for that nation, but they had messed up big time. God was giving them a fresh start, but it would only work if they knew His law.

Fresh starts only work with us, too, when we know God’s laws. We may have good intentions as we thumb through our Bibles, but in order for God’s truth to shape our future, we must meditate on it. Meditation means we not only memorize a passage, but we dwell on it, savoring the words of God like we savor a Jolly Rancher. We ask ourselves and God: “What is this saying to me? How can I apply it?” Meditation redirects our focus and deepens our understanding. Meditation on God’s word is the doorway to wisdom because we start to think like He thinks and want what He wants. Only then does He promise that we will succeed in all we do. The person who regularly meditates and applies God’s word to his/her life is the definition of success.

Final Thought:  Develop the art of meditation on God’s word. It will change your life.

Prayer: Father, I haven’t made the effort to truly meditate on your word. I zoom through Bible reading and hope that’s enough, but it’s not, is it? Help me slow down and savor your words with an eagerness to obey them. In Jesus’ name, Amen.