Meditating for Success

“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).

Joshua spoke of meditating on the law of God, both day and night. His reference to the book would have been the religious scrolls of his time. This is our bible which contains the written word of God. To meditate is to quietly reflect and to ponder over something. Scriptures are good for reflection and meditation, so that we can gain revelation knowledge. We hear the voice of God through scripture, so our quiet devotional time in the word is our time to communicate with God. As we meditate and God speaks, he will reveal deep and hidden mysteries.

“Call to me and I will answer you, and will tell you great and hidden things that you have not known” (Jeremiah 33:3). I have heard about business men who credit their success to prayer, fasting and listening to the voice of God. I would say that God can reveal insight, into a business venture to guarantee success. The books of Solomon for example, offer a lot of wisdom and insight for everyday life. The entire bible contains hidden mysteries and truths that cannot be found anywhere else. In our praying, reading the bible and fellowship with God, we also spend quiet time to listen.

We commit our plans to God and trust him that they will prosper. “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5). Solomon went on to say that we should acknowledge God in everything that we do, and he will direct our steps. I know that some religious factions believe, that the Christian journey is all about suffering. It is true that we should expect, to experience persecution for the sake of the gospel. This does not mean that God wants us to live, a life that is characterised by complete suffering and heartache.

Jesus multiplied the fishes for Peter, in order to meet a financial need. The bible talks about success, prosperity, abundance and wealth. The key is to maintain balance and any system that is emphasised, over and above the rest of God’s word, leads to contrary doctrine. That being said, God desires that we prosper and be in good health, even as our soul prospers (3 John 1:2). Some people who hit out against teachings about prosperity, have never truly experienced suffering themselves. There are people who have experienced incredible hardship, for most of their lives and I believe that God is invested in meeting their needs.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

A.P.-Y.