“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.” Joshua 1:8 NKJV

These instructions were given to Joshua as he became the new leader of the Israelites after the death of Moses. Joshua was one who had stayed in the presence of the Lord in his younger days, the one who hung around the tent of Moses continually. The people were getting ready to enter the Promised Land and challenge the existing inhabitants. They were getting ready to face war. Winning a war is usually thought of in terms of strength and power and weapons.  This war had different weapons. It wasn’t just about obeying rules of behavior, although that was a big part of it. This war also involved speaking the right words. A person cannot speak words of doubt and fear all the time and have success in his life. It just doesn’t work that way. Your words can work against you.

Go read about how the Israelites won the battle of Jericho. They were instructed to do some very unusual things. The funny part is, Jericho was on a “lockdown” because of fear! The bible says no one came in the city and no one went out. They were in fear of the Israelites, based on what they had heard that God had done for them, and so they were shut up inside their city, afraid.  Joshua chapter 2 tells why.

Forty years prior to this moment, there were 12 men who went in to that land to spy it out. Two came back and told the people, “yes, we can,” and 10 said “no, we can’t.” And because of their words, the nation stayed stuck in that place because of what they said.  The 10 spread fear and despair among the Israelites, and that kept them from moving forward in the plan of God. The words of 10 leaders influenced a nation of millions. The same thing happens to us. Words of fear and doubt will keep us from moving forward and winning. Stop using words of fear and doubt! Use the words of God.

So do you want to have a prosperous life? Do you want to have good success? Then Joshua 1:8 is for you. It’s in the bible. Is the bible wrong? Let every man be a liar, but let God be true. God is telling us right here, His secret to having success in life.

Isaiah 59:21 “As for Me, says the Lord, “this is My covenant with them: My Spirit who is upon you, and MY WORDS which I have put in your mouth, shall not depart from YOUR MOUTH, nor from the mouth of YOUR DESCENDANTS, nor from the mouth of YOUR DESCENDANTS’ DESCENDANTS,” says the Lord, “from this time and forevermore.” (emphasis ALL mine!)

In these scriptures, God seems very interested in the words we speak. It must be important.

A search of the bible turns up 308 hits on the word mouth, just in the Old Testament alone, and 111 hits on the word lips, in the OT. Many of these same scriptures are repeated in the New Testament. Jesus quoted them.

Ex. 13:9. “…that the Lord’s awe may be in your mouth…”

Deuteronomy 8:3 .”..but man lives by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord.” Jesus quoted this in the gospels to the devil.

Proverbs 18:21 “Death and life are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.”

Mark 11:23 “Whoever shall SAY to this. mountain, Be thou removed and be cast into the sea…he shall have whatsoever he says.”

People can argue all day long, oh you’re taking that too literal. But the word of God is the only thing I trust in this life of shifting sand. You too should determine today to build your life on it.

Isaiah 55:10-11 “For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Pray: Dear Jesus, this world is shaking so much right now. I need something to believe in that is sure. I will take my chances with You and Your truth because I believe in Your great love for mankind and for me. I will choose You and Your will for my life today. Your word, Your bible, is the only sure thing in this world to put my confidence in.