These verses contain some of the instructions God gave Joshua as he was about to step into Moses' shoes as leader of the Israelites. It's interesting to note that as part of Joshua's preparation, the Lord commanded him to constantly meditate on His Word and keep it on his lips. God is teaching us a very important lesson here. As we face the various challenges of our daily lives, we need to continually dwell on God's truths and promises. As long as we are living on this earth, we will be exposed to worldly ways and Satan's deception on a regular basis. Only by renewing our minds, as Paul instructs us in Romans 12:2, can we resist and overcome ungodly influences. How do we renew our minds? With the Word of God. We need to purposely think God's thoughts. If you will memorize Scriptures and meditate on them day and night, it will change your life. It's difficult to speak or think negative things while you're dwelling on God's Word. It's almost impossible to be fearful or worried while God's promises are on your lips and in your thoughts. Before too long, these truths will take root in your heart, and then you will become a doer of the Word, which is what God was telling Joshua here.

The Bible says that it's God's Word that increases our faith. (Romans 10:17, Acts 20:32) It also tells us that the Word is "the sword of the Spirit," the only offensive weapon in our God-given armor. (Ephesians 6:17) And Hebrews 4:12 says that "The word of God is full of living power. It is sharper than the sharpest knife." Meditating on God's Word makes tremendous power available to the believer. Jesus used it to defeat Satan when the devil came to tempt Him in the desert. We can use Scripture to overcome Satan's power, too. The next time the enemy tries to convince you that you're stupid or forgetful, you can tell him, "I have the mind of Christ!" (1 Corinthians 2:16) If he comes against you with fear and worry, you can say, "God has not given me a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind!" (2 Timothy 1:7) When the devil tries to convince you that you'll never overcome that sin you're struggling with, you can declare, "I've been set free from sin and I've become a slave to righteousness!" (Romans 6:18) And when he tries to make you feel like you can't do anything right, you can tell him, "I can do all things through Christ, Who strengthens me!" (Philippians 4:13) I challenge you today to take God's advice and begin thinking and speaking His Word day and night. If you do, the Lord's promise to you is that, "Then you will be prosperous and successful"!

Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your Word. I ask that You help me to meditate on it and speak it day and night, so that I can overcome the power of the enemy. Plant it deep in my heart, Lord. Thank You that Your Word will make me prosperous and successful wherever I go!