The Key to Success
The key to success in life lies not in education, upbringing, sales ability, athletic prowess or business acumen. Success comes by much simpler means and really has nothing to do with our own ability or accomplishments.
What makes us successful is studying and meditating on the Word of God. These two practices will encourage us to stay on track and will guarantee it if we allow the Word to cut into us and cut away the things that hinder us, we will enjoy good success. The Word of God – the Bible – is the handbook to all aspects of life: relationships, business, family life, love, planning, finances, faith, illness… Following its precepts is vital to setting right goals, achieving them and living right.
In the first chapter of Joshua, God tells him to meditate on, talk about and act on His instructions, and that if he does these things every day, he will succeed in what he does. There’s good advice there – a very obvious cause and effect. A daily time of getting alone with God that includes scripture reading and prayer is practical and necessary for success. I like to include journaling – writing down impressions of what the scripture is saying, how I can apply it, and other thoughts that come to mind. Writing things down helps me remember and I’m better able to recall later on. Over time, the scripture affects the way I think. I see where I’ve gone wrong and how to get right again. I see where I am right and am encouraged. A great guideline for reading and journaling is the popular SOAP method, described here.
Set aside a regular time each day for Bible reading, prayer and journaling. We can do all the other things, but won’t be truly successful unless we do this. We eat a meal every day; let’s make this our daily spiritual meal.
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 (NKJ)
Your words were found, and I ate them,
And Your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart;
For I am called by Your name,
O Lord God of hosts.
Jeremiah 15:16 (NKJ)
