Thursday: Prosperous and Successful
Daily Lesson for Thursday 2nd of October 2025
Read Joshua 1:7-9 together with Genesis 24:40, Isaiah 53:10, and Psalms 1:1-3. Based on these texts, what does it mean to be prosperous and successful?
The Hebrew term tsalakh, “prosperous” (Joshua 1:8), implies the satisfactory accomplishment of what was planned, or a state of favorable circumstances.
Image © Lars Justinen at Goodsalt.com
The term sakal, “to be wise” (Joshua 1:8), can be translated as “prosper” or “be successful.” But it also can mean “to be prudent,” or “to act wisely.” It occurs frequently in Job, Proverbs, and Psalms, where the notion of success is closely tied to acting wisely by fearing God and obeying His Word.
According to this insight, success is not necessarily defined as material prosperity, though it does not exclude it. Success has to be seen as a state of harmony with the spiritual values and principles that lie at the foundation of God’s created world and that are expressed in His law.
Indeed, trust in God’s promises, especially the promise of salvation by faith alone and obedience to His law, are not opposed to each other. They represent two sides of the same coin.
Read Romans 3:31. What does this text say about the relationship between law and faith?
To pit faith in the atoning and sacrificial death of Jesus in our behalf against obedience to God’s law is to set up a false and dangerous dichotomy. Law and grace always go together. Only a superficial understanding of the role of the law can lead to perceiving “law” and “grace” as opposites.
The writers of the Old Testament had a high regard for the law and considered it a source of delight (Psalms 1:2; Psalms 119:70,77,174). Rightly regarded and used, the law will lead to a deeper understanding of one’s own sinfulness (Romans 7:7) and the need for Christ’s righteousness (Galatians 3:24).
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However much by God’s grace you seek to keep His law, how has your own experience shown you your need for Christ’s covering righteousness? |
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Courage is not the absence of fear but moving forward in faith, knowing God is with us. Whenever a challenge is mentioned in the Bible, we see that God’s people rose to prominence and prospered. As children of God, we shine brightest in the midst of darkness and are meant to prosper even in times of challenges, testifying to God’s power to supply and provide for His people (Genesis 26:12–13). This prosperity is not just material but also spiritual, as we cultivate discipline by meditating on Scripture daily, aligning our lives with higher principles (Psalm 1:2–3). The Word of God becomes our moral compass, guiding us to live with integrity and wisdom in complex situations, while also prompting personal growth as we reflect, correct, and strive toward a higher standard of living (2 Timothy 3:16–17).
Just as God commanded Joshua, “Be strong and courageous…for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9), we too are called to walk boldly in times of uncertainty. Joshua was reminded that prosperity and success are rooted in obedience and meditation on God’s Word: “Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night…then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). In the same way, when we stay rooted in Scripture and live by its principles, we are strengthened to rise above fear, shine as testimonies of God’s faithfulness, and prosper even in seasons of famine, for His presence guarantees victory.
Thank you for this! Sadly, I had always thought courage was lack of fear.
The latter part of Romans 5 and the 1st part of Romans 6 helped me better understand the author regarding the law and grace. I understand the law, grace, and sin connection, and I am happy the Lord is with me in my spiritual life as promised in Joshua 1:9. Psalm 48:14, Proverbs 3:5-6. Yes, I believe we can extrapolate Joshua 1:9 to our spiritual life also. God said: I will be with you. Take His word on faith. Of course He gives us evidence to substantiate our faith. Not only the Jerico experience but just crossing the Jorden all safely was evidence to bolster faith.
Kings were commanded to read and internalize the Book of the Law daily, so that they might fear God (Deuteronomy 17:18-20). Similarly, Joshua was instructed to meditate on God's laws day and night to gain wisdom and prosperity (Joshua 1:7-8). Effective leadership of God's people requires a deep understanding of God's character, which is reflected in His laws. As we grasp God's character and principles, we gain wisdom that guides our actions, enabling us to represent God as faithful witnesses.
As Proverbs 9:10 states,
Perhaps we need to deepen our knowledge of God, just as Ezra did during his captivity. Ezra 7:10 tells us that Ezra "had prepared his heart to seek the Law of the Lord, and to do it, and to teach its statutes and ordinances in Israel." Like Ezra, we should study God's Word to know Him intimately, live according to His principles, and teach others with the passion of fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20).
Success is not merely material wealth but reflects alignment with God's principles and law. True success and prosperity come from living in harmony with God’s laws and trusting His promises. It is about growing spiritually, being wise, and having a meaningful life rather than just material wealth.
Jesus Himself illustrated in the parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:4–7). The Good Shepherd leaves the ninety-nine to go after the one who is lost. Heaven does not measure success by numbers, but by the sincerity of one soul redeemed for eternity.
When we scatter seed carelessly, without prayer, love, or personal investment, the seed may fall on stony ground and bear no fruit (Matthew 13:3–9). But when we prayerfully nurture even one heart, teaching, guiding, and walking alongside them, we are cooperating with the Spirit in bringing forth fruit that will last.
Ellen White reminds us: “One soul is of more value to heaven than a whole world of property or riches” (COL 196). Winning one soul to Christ is worth a lifetime’s labor.
So let us not be discouraged if our influence seems small. One life touched, one heart turned, one soul saved is a victory that echoes in eternity.
The lesson writer states: ‘According to this insight, success is not necessarily defined as material prosperity, though it does not exclude it. Success has to be seen as a state of harmony with the spiritual values and principles that lie at the foundation of God’s created world and that are expressed in His law.”
I find this to be a profound statement and worth one’s attention and meditation of its truth.
Believing that His Spirit expressing ‘Love’ is our God’s only foundational disposition toward man, in which ever form it may be revealed -, then one would want to follow God's Will/Law toward Salvation.
I repeat the lesson writer’s words: "... success is closely tied to acting wisely by fearing God and obeying His Word.” This is true because God’s Wisdom chose for us to walk by faith in HisWay, experiencing true 'success' and its 'satisfaction' when being enfolded by/in His Will and Purpose for our life – Gal.3:24.
The Law of God cannot justify anyone. Christ does. The Law is the open covenant of God with the human race. However, because humanity has fallen short in the face of the Law, God's love comes to the rescue and offers grace through Christ. Success can only be achieved in the Son.
True prosperity is holistic_- it touches every are f life. We need to analyze what Paul says in Rom. 3:31 about the relationship between the law and faith. The law is not cancelled by faith, some thought Paul was teaching that we are saved by faith( not by works), but he made it clear that faith does not abolish the law. Instead, it shows the true purpose of the law. The law reveals God's holy standard exposes human sin( Romans 3:20). The law still points to God's righteousness, but faith in Christ makes it possible for us to live according to it- not in our own strength, but through the grace and power of God. Therefore, the writers of the Old Testament had a high regard for the law and considered it a source of delight.
We need mirrors to help us see where in our faces we need to clean etc. But the mirror cannot do any of the cleaning to our faces. We need water, soap, towel, and elbow grease to do the cleaning. The law is like the mirror and the water, soap, towel, and elbow grease is like grace and faith towards God via The Holy Spirit, the Bible, prayer and His Son Jesus.