What Are God’s Instructions for Life? 3 Steps from Joshua 1:8 to Live by His Word

Discover how to follow God’s instructions for life. Learn the 3 steps from Joshua 1:8 — Study, Meditate, and Receive God’s promise for success

Jesse

5/8/20242 min read

A person stands with their back to the camera, wearing a white shirt with the text 'Disciple of Jesus' on the back. The design includes a blue and orange graphic element. The person is holding their long hair up with both hands. The background features a white and gray industrial-looking structure with metal beams.

What Are God’s Instructions for Life — and How Do We Follow Them?

What is an instruction?

An instruction is a clear directive that explains how something should be done or operated.
We see instructions everywhere:

✅ Programming languages come with documentation.
✅ Machines have user manuals.
✅ Aircraft have strict operation guidelines.

Why? Because instructions come from the maker — the one who designed the item in the first place.

But here’s the big question: Who wrote the instructions for life?

The Author of Life’s Instructions

God created us — and He also wrote the instruction manual for life: The Bible.

Did you know the Bible has over 1,050 instructions for living?

With so many, it’s easy to forget or overlook them. That’s why God gave us this key reminder in Joshua 1:8:

“Study the Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so you will be sure to obey everything written in it. Only then will you prosper and succeed in all you do.”

This verse gives us three steps to truly live by God’s instructions.

✅ 1. Study

To study means to devote your time, focus, and heart to deep learning.

God is asking for your undivided attention. Set aside the best part of your day for Him — not distracted moments, but your first and finest hours.

Make it a daily habit to read and study the Bible. It’s through study that you learn God’s heart and align your life with His will.

✅ 2. Meditate

Studying is learning, but meditating is sinking deeper.

To meditate on Scripture means to linger on the words, to let the Holy Spirit guide your thoughts, and to allow hidden truths to rise.

Meditation shapes your mind and heart. It softens your spirit to obey God’s instructions, because you’re not just reading — you’re absorbing.

✅ 3. Receive God’s Promise

Here’s the incredible part:
When you study and meditate on God’s Word, you will prosper and succeed in all you do.

This is not a vague hope — it’s God’s promise.

🌿 Final Thought

Life is precious. And like any valuable creation, it comes with instructions.

📖 Study His Word.
🕊 Meditate on His truth.
✨ Live in His promise.

Your life will change — not by your own strength, but because God’s instructions lead to God’s blessing.