As God led the children of Israel through the wilderness, He spoke to them in detail about the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 8:9, He said, “A land in which you will eat bread without scarcity, in which you will lack nothing” (NKJV). This land was a place where there would be abundance—lack would be conquered.
God’s plan for believers is revealed through His promises. He has promised us just what He promised the children of Israel—we will lack nothing!
As Israel began the transition from life in the wilderness to the land promised to Abraham, God instructed Joshua regarding what he must do to prosper.
“No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life; as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you nor forsake you. Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide as an inheritance the land which I swore to their fathers to give them. Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 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 1:5-8 NKJV).
God said be strong, be courageous, and observe all that is written. Their success was determined, not by God alone, but by their obedience to God’s instructions. He said they must meditate in the Word and keep it in their mouth.
Jesus made a powerful statement about the effect our priorities have on material success. “But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you” (Matthew 6:33 NKJV).
Our first priority is seeking God and His ways, then He will release His power. When our priorities are His priorities then all of the things can be added to us. Remember, things are not the problem. We must keep our priorities straight.
We must continue to say what the Word says about our present situation, our past, and our future. By doing so, we literally begin to activate the plan of God for our lives: increase and abundance! Through diligent application of the laws of God, we make our way prosperous.
A prosperous life comes only after our total commitment and obedience to God. There can be no real success while living in disobedience. Our soul must prosper, and then we can prosper in all other areas. “Beloved, I pray that you may prosper in all things and be in health, just as your soul prospers” (3 John 2 NKJV).
Before any other part of our lives can increase, our spiritual lives must prosper. By meditating in the Word and guarding our hearts, our inner lives will flourish. Prosperity flows from the inside out. Our ways must become God’s ways and our thoughts like His thoughts.
