How Does God Define Success?

From the heart of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D., Bible Teacher & Expositor. Recently, I was asked by one of my readers, “How do you define success?” My response: I’ve learned to define success based on how God defines it. Let’s examine what God told Joshua. We read, “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success” (Joshua 1:8). Based on this passage of the Bible, I define success as “God being most glorified in us when we’re most satisfied in Him.” This passage emphasizes that true prosperity and success are rooted in a spiritual connection with God. What does it really mean to be prosperous? If it’s all about money and fame, why do we see people who have riches, wealth, and prestige but aren’t truly happy and satisfied? I would argue that true prosperity and success is something much deeper that comes from genuine contentment and peace in your soul. It’s the ability to enjoy life. The best news is that God wants us to have success, and He even shows us how! God gave these instructions to Joshua hundreds of years ago, but they still prove true for us today. I find it interesting that according to this passage, you will have success. That means your being successful is not dictated by the cards dealt to you; it’s dictated by YOU. When God tells you to meditate on His Word, He means to engage in a deep and thoughtful reflection on His teachings, similar to how you might ponder a complex idea or question. It's about internalizing and applying the truth, allowing it to shape your thoughts, emotions, and actions. I know this key is true from personal experience. When I truly receive a revelation from God’s Word, I get an extra pep in my step. I look at things with a different perspective. I can face and deal with challenges in a whole different way. I’m successful when I hear God’s Word resonating on the inside! Be encouraged!