Success. That’s what everyone desires in life. We want success in ever area of our life. We want it in our finances, jobs, relationships, and health. We feel happy and a sense of accomplishment. When others also notice our success, that feels great.
Most of us know how we want our life to look like. We have a vision or goal of what we want our life to be like. But how we get there is another story. There are so many paths and ways. The American dream tells us to work hard and we will achieve our dreams. Others may say that you just need to develop more skills like emotional intelligence, discipline or management ability. There are ideas that you need to dream big and never give up on those dreams. There are truths to each of these, but is this the key to success? Who has the keys to success?
God has the keys to success. He created us and knows us better than ourselves. He knows the secret to becoming successful. There are three ways that God shows us in Joshua 1:8.
"Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”
God chose Joshua to take Mose’s spot as the leader of Israel. These are big shoes to fill. God tells Joshua three things that he needs to do in order to become successful and prosperous. It’s the same three things that we need to do in our lives today.
Speak God’s Word
The word of God needs to be on our lips always. We need to speak God’s truth and God’s promises to God’s people. There is no greater truth that can change lives. God’s word has power. When we speak God’s truth in our lives then we are able to direct and guide ourselves to follow God. We also allow others to hear God’s word and truth. This leads people to the path of success.
List some of your favorite verses and put them where you will see them like your refrigerator, car or desk. You can speak those words every moment you see them. When you pray, you can recite those verses as well.
Listen to God’s Word
Before we can speak God’s truths, we need to listen to God’s truth. We have two ears and one mouth. We need to listen to the word of God throughout the day. The more we listen, the more we know and understand God’s heart and God’s plans. His ways and thoughts are not our ways. He has thoughts and plans for every situation and circumstance. It’s important that we put ourselves in a place to listen to God. We can do this by reading God’s word or listening to the Bible by audio. Memorizing God’s word helps us to listen to God. There are many apps available to help.
Live Out God’s Word
The most important part to becoming successful is to do what God says. That’s when you exercise true wisdom. It shows that your actions and lives match what you have heard and what you say. That’s integrity and a demonstration of character. It’s the hardest piece too because there are so many parts and areas of our lives where we don’t want to obey. There are hard commands like love your enemies, do not judge others, and give generously and cheerfully. This is where we show that we trust and obey God. It shows that we are fully committed and believe that God’s way is the right way. It’s surrendering to our own ways for a better way. And when we do this, we experience God’s blessing and favor. We experience something that we never would have thought or imagined.
The best part is that you experience an intimacy with God. You enjoy the Father’s delight. That’s true success. Abraham was called God’s friend. David was called a man after God’s own heart. Mary, mother of Jesus, was highly favored by God.
Success comes when we not only know about God but live with God. It’s about a relationship with God. The other measurements of success (wealth, security, and health) flow out of that. It doesn’t always happen the way that we want. But there’s nothing more valuable and important than to know and be known by your Heavenly Father.
Harold Kehler says
Success has always been a mystery to me. I’ve spent my whole like being afraid to take chamces. I’ve never felt successful in life. I’m my harshest critic. With Christ I’m learning to dare. I’m successful and didn’t realize it until now.
sam says
Yes you are Harold! Continue to listen to God’s voice because you are his son whom he loves and with you he is well pleased!