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 good success. (Joshua 1:8 ESV)

Fresh out of college and newly married, my husband and I moved to Tampa, where he began graduate school, and I started my position as a part-time choir director at a small church. It’s interesting to look back on your life and recognize God’s unseen hand in your journey. My husband and I are convinced that God’s purpose for us at that season in our lives was this little church, as it played a big part in shaping us as young believers. It was at this church we learned what it meant to be a part of a church family, the value of godly community, and the discipline of serving, giving, and studying Scripture.

Sunday School

I was not raised in church, so Sunday school was something new to me, and it was to my husband as well. The truth is neither of us understood God’s greater purpose for us being in this class. However, it was during this weekly gathering that we were first introduced to the incredible value of Scripture memorization.

I can’t remember much about the class. However, I do remember reciting Joshua 1:8, the selected memory verse for the new year. At the time, my participation was merely one of responsibility and respect. Now nearly 40 years later, I am forever grateful for this class and for this Scripture that has since become a treasured life verse for me.

Powerful Words

This verse, like all Scripture is powerful simply because it’s God’s Word. However, this verse is especially potent as it is God Himself who is speaking. As Joshua succeeds Moses as the newly appointed leader of Israel, Yahweh speaks to him saying, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth.” Obviously, God was not suggesting that Joshua literally eat pages of Torah, but He was in fact saying savor my Word. Digest it as though it were food. Allow it to nourish, guide and strengthen you.

“You Shall Meditate”

God commanded Joshua to keep the Law (His Word) continually in his mouth. This might sound a bit strange to us today, but Joshua would have understood the significance of hagah, the Hebrew word for meditate. Hagah means to mutter by reciting. This would explain why God told Joshua to keep His Words in his mouth as this was the method for meditation. In her book Memorizing Scripture, Glenna Marshall expounds upon this principle,

“[For the Israelites] Belonging to God meant living holy lives that reflected their Deliverer; thus, [they] were to keep His words in mind at all times, [by] meditating on them day and night….”

To be clear however, the practice of meditation was and is not limited to God’s charge to Joshua or to ancient Israel. Rather, it is referenced in many places throughout Scripture such as Psalm I:1-2,

Blessed is the one…whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night.” (NIV)

“Be Careful to Do”

It’s critical to understand the primary reason God commanded Joshua to meditate on His Word continually. It wasn’t merely for the purpose of Scripture memorization. Neither was it so he would increase in biblical knowledge. Instead, God instructed Joshua to meditate on His Word for the sole purpose of empowering him to do what it says. In the same way earthly parents guide their children with words of warning and instruction, God, as a loving Father, instructed Joshua to be careful to do everything recorded in His Law.

The Benefits of “Doing”

God’s charge to Joshua concludes as He shares two stellar benefits that result from doing (in essence obeying), everything written in His Law. God tells Joshua that he will be prosperous and successful. Prosperous meaning all would go well with him and successful meaning he would victoriously lead the Israelites into the promised land, which he did! And this was only the first of a lifetime of successful accomplishments for Joshua who lived committedly and wholeheartedly in obedience to God’s Word.

The story of Joshua continues to inspire and challenge me, as does Yahweh’s charge to him. I understand the only way to fulfill my life mission and finish strong is by hearing, believing, and obeying God’s Word.

Countless times since throughout my Christian journey I, like Joshua, have meditated and relied upon Scripture for divine direction, as well as healing, wisdom and breakthrough. I recognize the only way to live successfully in all the ways that matter most is by living according to the entirety of God’s Word. Scripture is powerful and personal. But it’s not enough to simply know it. We must also act on what we know by doing what is says.

Bob and Joyce Bushey, Children’s Pastors

I was blessed to recently reconnect with Joyce Bushey Nelson, now 81. She and her husband Bob, who’s now in heaven, were the children’s pastors at the church I mentioned in this post.

In a recent text exchange with Joyce and Bob’s daughter, I asked if she remembered learning Joshua 1:8 under the direction of her dad. She replied, “Yes I remember the verse. My dad lived what he preached. I remember him getting up early every morning to read his Bible and pray before going to work.”

Pray

Father God, I am overwhelmingly grateful for the reality and richness of your Word. As I read holy Scripture, I hear you speak. Your words inspire, correct, challenge, and empower me. Thank you for sending Jesus, the Word made flesh. And thank you for the gift of your Holy Spirit that continually reminds me of your truths. You are an awesome God. Please receive my heartfelt gratitude. In the beautiful name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

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Community Question of the Week

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Worship

Meditate on God’s Word