Joshua 1:8 - Meditation plus Obedience equals Success – updated.

Joshua 1:8; Meditation plus Obedience equals Success - updated.

Josh 1:8 (NLT)  Study this Book of the Law continually. Meditate 
on it day and night so you may be sure to obey all that is written 
in it. Only then will you succeed. 

Joshua was to do three things with regard to the Scriptures: 
(a) The Law was not to depart from his mouth; he was to talk 
about it;  
(b) He was to meditate on it day and night, to think about it; 
(c) He was to do everything written in it, to obey its commands 
fully and to act by it. [Bible Knowledge Commentary] 

Created in God's image, we were formed to live in harmony with 
God's laws. Obedience to them assures both physical and spiritual 
success. [SDA Commentary] 

Total obedience to all the law, which is to be the focus of the 
people's thinking day and night. Only by this discipline can the people 
survive and be assured of God's presence wherever [they] go. [Cambridge 
Annotated SB]  

To know God's revealed Word requires reading it daily and 
relying on the strength of God's presence to practice the Word. 
[Disciple SB] 

This command is based on God's power through His Word. [Bible 
Knowledge Commentary] 

Joshua is to make the law of God his rule. He is charged to 
meditate therein day and night, that he might understand it. Whatever 
affairs of this world we have to mind, we must not neglect the one thing 
needful. All his orders to the people, and his judgments, must be 
according to the law of God. Joshua must himself be under command; no 
man's dignity or dominion sets him above the law of God. He is to 
encourage himself with the promise and presence of God. Let not the sense 
of thine own infirmities dishearten thee; God is all-sufficient. I 
have commanded, called, and commissioned thee to do it, and will be 
sure to bear thee out in it. When we are in the way of duty, we have 
reason to be strong and very bold. Our Lord Jesus, as Joshua here, was 
borne up under his sufferings by a regard to the will of God, and the 
commandment from his Father. [Matthew Henry's Commentary] 

How strange to equate success with obedience.  For many, success 
is controlling others; for Joshua it meant being controlled by God. 
 God told Joshua that to succeed he must obey the rules for 
living found in God's law.  Often we can't see what the results or 
future benefits of following God will be.  When we are not sure what to 
do, obedience to what God has revealed in the Scriptures is the only 
sure step we can take.  Resolve to set aside time each day to read 
and think about God's word.  Remind yourself of God's words day and 
night.  Act today on what you know God has said, and God will assure 
your success in carrying out his purposes.  [Life Application SB] 

Notice that courage is demanded in the Christian life (vv. 6-7, 
9), but this courage is supplied by the Word of God (v. 8). [Wiersbe 
Expository Outlines] 

    The Way Of Success: A successful mission in the service of 
the Lord is dependent upon courage, meditation, and obedience. 
Joshua was instructed by God to be strong and courageous. His was not 
an easy task, for he not only had to confront the ungodly 
inhabitants of the Promised Land, but he would have to provide leadership 
for his own fearful and complaining people. 
    He was told to do all that was required in the Law. He was 
not to turn from it either to the right or the left. This would not 
be easy. It never is. It can only be accomplished by constant 
meditation day and night. By meditating in the Word of God, that Word 
becomes established in our hearts and minds. It molds our character and 
guides our footsteps. 
    If we are careful to do all that is written, then our way 
will be prosperous and we will have success. [Daily Devotional 
Bible]