I was born again many years ago. At that time, I had such a thirst for God’s Word that I would read it for hours, often staying up until 2 or 3 a.m.
One of the Scriptures I encountered that set me on this course was Joshua 1:8: “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).
I thought, I have never been successful or prosperous in anything. Yet this Scripture says I can make my way prosperous by meditating on God’s law.
Many times in my life I had started out well and ended up in defeat. The best example of this pattern was my first marriage. It ended in divorce after nine years. Five years later, God gave me a wonderful new husband—and I did not want to fail again.
So, I set my heart to meditate on the Word.
In reading through the Bible, I came across the Beatitudes (Matt. 5). My eyes were drawn to verse 6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled” (MEV). I was not quite sure what righteousness meant, but I knew I was definitely hungry for more of the peace I had received after asking Jesus to come into my heart.
I looked up the word “righteousness” in the dictionary and found that it means, “to be in right standing.” Then I asked myself the question, “Whom do I want to be in right standing with?” The answer was simple—Jesus first, then my family, friends and co-workers.
I discovered that “blessed,” means “fortunate, happy and spiritually prosperous.” There was that word “prosperous” again! I began to think that this going-after-God thing just might work.
I read the Word with even greater enthusiasm because I saw that I didn’t have to run around discouraged and empty when I could be filled with the things of God. As I reflected on what I read, my attitude began to change.
Instead of thinking about how hard my life had been, I started to thank God for the blessings that came to me daily. It seemed the more I had an attitude of gratitude, the more good things came my way. Before long I had a barbecue grill, swimming pool, new cars, money in the bank and a happy family. My whole life seemed to be filled with the good things of God.
In addition, areas of my life that were damaged and bruised began to be healed. Proverbs 4:22 tells us that the Word of God to His children are “life to those who find them, and health to all their body” (MEV). The word “health” here is better-translated medicine.
I learned that God’s Word heals better than any medicine you can take, and it provides better coverage than any insurance policy. Insurance often pays only a portion of the charges. Jesus paid the total cost and gave us His full benefits!
Meditating on the Word of God will change you and your situation as it did me and mine. Things that have caused death will be replaced with things that bring life. Your hunger and thirst for God will increase, and the attitude of discouragement that has poisoned your faith will be transformed to gratitude and hope.
I still read through the Bible every year. It is the most exciting, life-changing book I have ever read. I am certain that all the promises contained in it are for me today.
They’re for you too. Meditate on God’s Word and you will be blessed. You will get out of the blues and witness the miracle of the Good News. And you will make your way prosperous and have good success forever.
Prayer Power for the Week of September 4, 2016
This week take time to meditate on God’s Word and use its promises as declarations over your own life and destiny. Begin to pray the will of God as expressed in His Word. Thank Him for His plans and blessings over your life and the life of your loved ones. Ask Him for opportunities to serve Him by serving others, especially in this season of great loss through natural disasters and terrorist attacks. Pray that He pour out His Spirit, bring revival and send more laborers into the harvest. Continue to pray for our nation, our allies, and the upcoming elections (Josh. 1:8; Matt. 5:6; Matt. 19:26). {eoa}
