Great Expectations

          My sister once declared that the only thing she would like to have was a cabin in West Virginia, a fire place, snow outside, a Golden Retriever a cup of hot chocolate and a good book. That was the picture that she had painted of herself having everything she wanted in one place. She ended up, however, in a small trailer with a swamp cooler in Apache Junction, Arizona having suffered a stroke and would then end up in a nursing facility in Peoria, Illinois. The culture in which we live has indoctrinated with pictures of ideal circumstances and if we should be chance achieve them, then we could classify ourselves as being successful. The usual American dream is filled with material possessions that we feel we couldn't be without even though we use very little of them. Joshua 1:8 says, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” 

            Joshua receives some critical instruction as he steps into the main leadership position over the country of Israel. His instruction connects him to the preceding book, which is the book of Deuteronomy which concerns God's Law. Joshua was to meditate on the writings continually, both day and night and if he did he would have a prosperous way and he would also have good success. The word “success” here is one that is translated more as acting “wisely.” It is used some 70 times in the Old Testament and the most of those times, which was only 12, was translated as “wise.” It is translated as “success” only here in the KJV but is also translated as “success” in some other translations. Our culture is not to ready to seek “wisdom” in this life. We would rather pursue after an unusual car, a dream house in a beautiful location, the ideal family situation, or even relaxing by a pool in a tropical paradise. Wisdom is not one of those things that is high on the list of most people. Oh, we might be okay with being looked upon as a wise person, but it is not something that we may openly pursue after. God, on the other hand, instructs us that the is a way to be successful and prosperous in this life if we follow His guidelines rather than those of Godless people in high positions of learning. Knowing God's Word is always high on the list of desirable characteristics but God goes on to say that we should “meditate” on His Word both day and night. That is pretty much all of the time of our existence. Everything must be put through the grid of God's Word. Everything that you do in your life should be funneled through the Scriptures. We also find that prosperity is not going to be measured by the number of zeroes after some figure in your bank account but is really measured by how well you are keeping God's Word and applying it to your life. How do you meditate on something? A gem cutter, may hold up a diamond he has just cut, to the light to admire the colors and the shape of the stone. A chef may savor the result of a culinary creation with a blend of spices and herbs. A musician may sit back with eyes closed and enjoy the blending of voices and instruments in the creation of a pleasant sounding musical work. A person of God, will think upon the Word, God's Word, and mull over each and every word and thought. He will notice what God says and what God doesn't say. He will be lifted up by every word and thought of the Scriptures. You will think on them day and night, even when you lay in your bed and your eyes close for sleep. In the end, you will find that your way is prosperous and certainly you can be determined to be a successful person. Praise God for His Word.