“This Book….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

Every year when the new year rolls in, people make a list of “New Year’s Resolutions”.  Some pledge to lose weight, stop smoking, re-prioritize, set new boundaries, or try new things.  Like many of you, I made a pledge to seek God more, listen for His direction more closely, and strive to do His Will more fervently.

When I was a child, I used to sing a little song that said, “This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.  This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine. Let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.”

In seeking for clarity in God’s direction for 2009, I was led to the Book of Joshua.  There are so many lessons that we can learn from this Book.  As I read the beginning verses of this Book, one verse leaped off of the pages at me – vs.8.  Some key words in this verse are “meditate”, “observe”, and “then”.

I’ve always thought “meditate” meant to think about.  But that word in the context of this text actually means “an active recitation, a respeaking of God’s Word”.  Did you get that?  Actively respeaking God’s Word over your life.  Study the Word, learn the Word, then actively speak the Word over your circumstances.

Another word that caught my attention in this verse is the word “observe”.  To observe God’s Word is literally to obey His Word.  So we study the Word, learn the Word, actively speak the Word, and obey the Word.  In doing so, Scripture says we will “make your way prosperous and…have good success”.

I encourage you to begin meditating and re-speaking God’s Word over yourself, your family, and your circumstances. 

Be still long enough to hear His voice, then you’ll be able to know His plan, and obey His Call.  In doing so, your light can break through the darkness and bring forth healing, restoration, hope, encouragement, and strength to those whose path you are blessed to cross.

2009 is the year to really get focused on God and His desire for your life!  One light dispells the darkness!  Are you willing to “let your little light shine in 2009?”

*photo above taken from www.freefoto.com