Our Scripture reading today is Joshua 1:6-9.
Verse 7, "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest."
A brand new leader is taking over for the nation of Israel. Moses is dead and now Joshua is going to be the leader of God's people. He will be the one to lead them into the Promised Land. This would not be an easy task. God gives Joshua some marching orders. Joshua is instructed to be strong and courageous so that he can "observe to do". We actually read this same phrase in verse 8 as well. The word, observe, means to keep watch or guard; to put an hedge about; to protect.
As you re-read verse 7 and 8, consider what Joshua and even each one of us today are being told. In order to be strong and courageous, we must protect God's Word, we must guard God's Word which leads us to obeying God's Word. There is a natural tendency to protect those whom we love. Do we love God's Word? Our love for God's Word will be seen in our protecting it and obeying it. The end result is mentioned in verse 7 and 8: prosper and success. To God be all the glory!