May 30
Verse of the Day for May 30
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 1:8 KJV
The Key of Purpose · Day 30 of 31
Reflection · 3 min read
Purpose At the End of the Day
Joshua was taking over from Moses, a man who had spoken with God face to face. Three times in this chapter he is told to be strong and courageous. Nobody needs telling three times unless they are afraid.
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.
The instruction about the book is physical. It shall not depart out of thy mouth. In Joshua's world, meditating meant murmuring the words aloud, going over them day and night, the way you repeat a phone number so you do not lose it.
The promise of success here is easy to twist. It is tied to this, observe to do according to all that is written therein. Prospering in this chapter means walking in God's ways and seeing his purposes done, not a guarantee of wealth or an easy life.
Then the heart of it. Have not I commanded thee? Courage is not a mood Joshua has to go and find. It is an order, and it comes with a reason. the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
At the end of the day, when the house is quiet and tomorrow's worries start to talk, murmur a line of Scripture before you sleep. Say it over until it sits in your mouth. Then lie down knowing he goes with you into tomorrow.
Courage is not a feeling you find.It is a word you are given.
Let the last words in your mouth today be his.
He goes with you into tomorrow, wherever tomorrow turns out to be.
Carry this today
What line of Scripture could you murmur tonight before you sleep?
Pray
Read Joshua 1:7–9
7Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. 8This 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. 9Have not I commanded thee? Be strong and of a good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.
Keep praying
Reflection by Collins Asein, from the daily devotionals in the PrayerKey app. Bible text: King James Version.