WISDOM FOR THE WINNING LIFE (1)

“This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night…” – Joshua 1:8a

GOD’S WORD is the Source of WISDOM for the WINNING LIFE: “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” (Jos.1:8). If men will walk in the path that God has marked out for them, they will have a Counsellor whose Wisdom is far above any human wisdom. Joshua was a wise general because God was his Guide. The first sword that Joshua used was the Sword of the Spirit, the Word of God.

This was a crucial season! As Joshua stood on the threshold of a fresh era in life and in the unfolding destiny of God’s people, God released into his life, Wisdom for the Winning Life. The tendency was for him to persist in mourning the passing of Moses (vv.1-2). But God showed up with the Wisdom Words – of Strength and Courage – that Joshua needed above anything else, to lead the people to inherit the land that God promised to give their ancestors. He was counselled to give it everything he had, heart and soul. He must ensure to carry out every bit of The Revelation that Moses commanded him, without side-tracking, either left or right, so as to get to where he was destined to attain (v.7).

It was because the strongest influences were to be brought to bear against his principles of righteousness that the Lord in Mercy charged Joshua not to turn to the right hand or to the left. He was to follow a course of strictest integrity. If there was not to be any peril before Joshua, God would not over and over again have charged him to be of good courage: “Be strong and of good courage...” (v.6); “Only be strong and very courageous...” (v.7); “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (v.9). Amid all his cares, Joshua had the Lord God of Israel as his Guide into prosperity and good success.

There is no greater deception than for people to suppose that in any difficulty they can find a better guide than God, a wiser counselor in any emergency, or a stronger defense under any circumstance! It’s crucial for us to ask for Wisdom daily from the Source of all wisdom (Jam.1:5). This was the secret of Joshua’s Victory! The Word of the Lord came to him just before he passed over Jordan. He made God his Guide.

Many individuals are faced with unpleasant experiences and challenging situations, they’re left with the choice to either cave in or respond with the right attitude. At such times, Wisdom is profitable to direct (Ecc.10:10). When Paul the apostle faced trying times, he didn’t grumble, complain, become discouraged, or blame God for what was happening to him. Instead, by Wisdom, he chose to see those trials as times of training, preparing and equipping him with the ability to help others in their times of trouble (2Cor.1:4). That’s the wise, winning attitude!

Rather than rely upon our own human wisdom, we must seek earnestly for light as to the best manner of conducting life’s business. Joshua, the commander of Israel, searched the books diligently in which Moses had faithfully chronicled the God’s requirements, reproofs, and restrictions, lest he should move foolishly. Waiting on the Lord for Wisdom should be the attitude of God’s children. We shouldn’t allow any hostile experience overwhelm us; but be hopeful, strong, and courageous that we’ll come out victoriously, no matter the odds on the way.