Do you want to be successful, to accomplish what you set out to achieve?  Most people do!  But there are a lot of different opinions out there about what it takes to be successful.  Thousands of people have authored books, shared articles, delivered speeches, and taught lessons about what they believe are the keys to success.  But shouldn’t we consider what God says about success?

In Joshua 1:8, God announced, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe 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” (NKJV).

Here, God shares His keys to success.  And when He shares keys to success, I want to pay attention!  Interestingly, this is the only example in the Bible where we will find the word “success.”   So, let’s zero in on what God says about it.

First of all, we should consider the context of this verse.  God spoke these words to Joshua when it was time for him to assume leadership over the people of Israel. Moses, who Joshua had assisted for many years, had just died, and it was Joshua’s turn to step up.  In fact, he would be the one responsible for finally leading God’s people into their promised land. So, obviously, Joshua needed to know how to be successful.

In that pivotal moment, God shared three primary keys for his success.    

  1. Speak the Word – “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth.”

The “Book of the Law” was the collection of directions God had spoken to Moses. The Book was to be treasured as God’s words to His people, just as we should cherish the entirety of the Bible we have today. We know it’s important to read the Bible, but here, God instructs to not let those words depart from your mouth.  Indeed, there is power when we speak God’s words from Scripture.   

So, keep the Word of God in your mouth.  Quote scriptures out loud.  Declare God’s promises over yourself and your family.  Talk about His Word with those around you.  “Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God” (Romans 10:17), so even hearing yourself speak His Word will build your faith!  Indeed, “death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21), and we can speak powerful words of life over our lives by declaring God’s words!  

  1. Think about the Word – “Meditate in it day and night.”

To meditate on His Word means to ponder on scriptures as often as we can.  Just as there is power in what we say, there is power in what we think!  Our thoughts create the mindset that directs our attitude and actions. What better subject to think about than the truth of God’s words!    

  1. Act on the Word – “Observe to do according to all that is written in it.”  

This is where the rubber meets the road!  We must be “doers” of God’s Word!  There are blessings to follow when we act on His words. While that sounds simple enough, this passage implies that living out God’s word doesn’t just “happen.”  You have to give attention to it!  So, the more we talk about and think about God’s word, the more likely we are to act on it.

After sharing these three keys, God followed with this promise: “For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.”  You see, our prosperity and success hinge on what we do with the Word of God.  When we speak His Word, think about His Word, and act on His Word, then (and only then) will we be prosperous and successful.  

I pray you’ll succeed in the things God has called you to do!