16/12/2025
Devotion on Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
Title: Prosperity That Comes from the Word
Text: Joshua 1:8 (KJV)
By: Dr. Nilo H. Flores
Date: December 17, 2025
Introduction
Joshua stood at a turning point in history. Moses, the great leader, was gone. The responsibility of leading Israel into the Promised Land now rested on Joshua’s shoulders. In this moment of pressure and transition, God did not give Joshua a military strategy or political advice. Instead, God pointed him to His Word. Joshua 1:8 reveals God’s divine formula for spiritual strength, wise living, and true success.
Joshua 1:8 (KJV):
“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.”
I. God’s Word Must Dwell in Our Mouth
“This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth”
1. The Word is to be Spoken, Not Silenced
God’s Word was meant to be confessed, taught, and declared—not hidden or forgotten.
2. Faith is Strengthened by Speaking Scripture
When the Word stays in our mouth, it shapes our thinking and builds courage.
3. Spiritual Leadership Begins with the Word
Joshua could not lead others rightly unless God’s Word first ruled his own life.
Reference:
Deuteronomy 6:6–7; Romans 10:17
II. God’s Word Must Dwell in Our Mind
“But thou shalt meditate therein day and night”
1. Meditation Means Deep Thinking, Not Empty Thinking
Biblical meditation is filling the mind with God’s truth, not emptying it.
2. Day and Night Shows Consistency
God calls us to a continual relationship with His Word, not occasional reading.
3. Meditation Leads to Spiritual Stability
A mind anchored in Scripture is not easily shaken by fear or doubt.
Reference:
Psalm 1:2; Philippians 4:8
III. God’s Word Must Be Lived Out in Our Life
“That thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein”
1. Obedience Is the Goal of Meditation
God’s Word is not only to be known but to be obeyed.
2. Partial Obedience Is Not Full Obedience
God emphasized “all that is written,” not selective obedience.
3. True Success Follows Submission to God
Prosperity and success come after obedience, not before.
Reference:
James 1:22; John 13:17
Original Meaning (Hebrew Insight)
“Meditate” comes from the Hebrew word hagah, meaning to murmur, mutter, or speak softly. This implies repeating God’s Word until it sinks deeply into the heart.
“Prosperous” comes from tsalach, meaning to advance, to push forward, to succeed. It does not only mean material wealth but spiritual progress.
“Good success” comes from sakal, meaning to act wisely and with understanding. God’s success is wisdom-directed living.
In original meaning, God was promising Joshua wisdom-led progress, not worldly riches without righteousness.
Illustration
A farmer may own the best land, but if he never plants seeds or tends the soil, there will be no harvest. God’s Word is the seed. Speaking it is planting, meditating is watering, and obeying is harvesting. Many desire the harvest of success, but few commit to the daily discipline of the Word.
Conclusion
Joshua 1:8 teaches us that success in God’s eyes is not accidental—it is intentional. When the Word of God rules our mouth, fills our mind, and directs our actions, God Himself promises prosperity and good success. This is not the world’s success, but God’s approval, guidance, and blessing upon our lives.
Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for Your precious Word. Help us to keep it in our mouth, meditate on it day and night, and obey it with a willing heart. Teach us that true success comes from walking in Your will. Strengthen us, guide us, and make our lives fruitful for Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
