This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall read [and meditate on] it day and night, so that you may be careful to do [everything] in accordance with all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will be [d]successful Joshua 1:8
The Lord is reminding Joshua of the covenant He had with Moses and that he must be faithful to read and study the law. He must carry it out and to do what it says to be successful.
The words, “be careful to do everything”. To do, not to think about, discuss, debate, philosophize, pontificate, or even memorize, but DO! Ouch! When God says He will give you something, He usually means He will bless and make your efforts and hard work successful. We must work together with Him. We must be faithful to the task to which He has called us. We must even suffer with and for Him. Salvation is a free gift, totally underserved, but taking the land of our spiritual inheritance is a 24/7 job! The pay is out of this world, but the work is intense and takes focus and faithfulness in obedience to His Word.
Oh Jesus, how often do we read the Word and ponder on the it, but do nothing with it?! Forgive us and help us to realize that reading, hearing, even pondering on the Word is not enough. Salvation is a free gift, but we must seek, find, accept, and work out our salvation to receive the promised blessing and success. Sometimes, Father, it seems so simple and easy, and other times impossible without Your divine strength and resurrection power working in us. You ask nothing of us without supplying everything we need to DO what You require. Help us to believe and not doubt. Pondering is sometimes necessary, but we must also pounce – attack Your will with enthusiasm, and faith.
Journey with Joyce 