FROM BEREAVEMENT TO BECOMING: A PRINCIPLE TO GUIDE

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. Joshua 1:8

REFERENCE
Joshua 1:1-9

“God grant that men of principle shall be our principal men.” ~Thomas Jefferson

The above quote by former American President, Thomas Jefferson resonates with the instruction God gave Joshua in this account. The dictionary defines a principle as a fundamental truth that serves as the foundation for a system of belief. God commanded Joshua to hold tight to the principles of the Book of the Law (scriptures), as a foundation to becoming successful after bereavement. God did this to move Joshua from his place of bereaving his mentor, Moses, to becoming all He wanted him to become. He knew that if Joshua was left to follow his emotions and hurt, he would soon get discouraged and miss his ‘way.’ Therefore, He gave him the word to serve as a constant and reliable resource in spite of changing times and uncertain emotions.

Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is like a lamp that guides my steps, a light that shows the path I should take.” Contained in the Word of God is light that enlightens any darkness and gives direction. It is the fundamental truth that cannot be contested. It was there in the beginning, and it endures forever. The Word is alive, active, and sharper than a double edged sword; thus, it is a powerful weapon that when wielded can give the desired result. Little wonder God instructed the chief principal of His people (Joshua) to guide His people to their promised inheritance with His infallible principles.

Inherent in the Word of God is wisdom that can make your way prosperous and give you good success. It has the capacity to restore hope in your hopeless situation and strengthen your weak faith. Job 14:7-9 reveals that there is hope for a tree that has been cut down (hopeless) to sprout again at the scent of water; and the Word of God is described as ‘Water’ in Ephesians 5:26. Therefore, all hope is not lost because you lost something or someone valuable; the principles in the Word will guide you to a place of restoration. What you lost is not as valuable as what you have gained through the gift of the Word of God.

Maybe you are in a difficult place and can’t seem to find your compass in life anymore. God’s instruction to Joshua applies to you today. Let the book of the Law become your compass; hold tight to it, meditate day and night on what it says, and do all that is written in it. It will make you forget past sorrows and guide you to Success-Ville.

SCRIPTURE PHOTO

ADDITIONAL STUDY
Psalm 12:6, I Peter 1:23-25, & Hebrews 4:12

PRAYER

Dear Lord, I commit to hold tight to Your Word; as I meditate on it day and night, and do what is written in it, may it make my way prosperous and guide me to good success in Jesus’ name.