Obedience and Prosperity

 Devotion: The Prosperity of Obedience

Scripture:
"And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth."
— Deuteronomy 28:1 (KJV)

Personal Reflection:
As I continue to study what the Bible says about prosperity through the lens of Hebrew understanding, today I come face to face with the central key: obedience.

The Hebrew text says shaw-mah shaw-mah— “hearken diligently.” In Hebrew thought, the repetition of a word is not accidental; it is a divine highlighter, drawing my attention to something of utmost importance. It means I am not only to hear with my ears, but to listen with my heart, to understand, and to respond with obedient action.

In our modern world, we often confuse knowledge with obedience. We listen to sermons, read books, memorize Scripture—but unless these things translate into actual changes in my life, they are empty. According to the Hebraic worldview, I have not truly heard God unless my hearing produces action. As James later echoes in the New Testament:
"But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves."(James 1:22, KJV)

God’s promise of prosperity and blessing is not to those who simply know His Word, but to those who observe (guard carefully) and do (actively obey) His commandments. It’s not enough to agree with His truth intellectually; the blessing comes when obedience flows from that agreement.

Today I must ask myself: What do my actions reveal about what I truly believe? If I say I trust God, yet worry endlessly about provision, does my behavior match my confession? If I say I love God’s Word but neglect His instructions, am I truly hearing Him?

Contemplation:
Today, I pause to examine my life honestly. My actions are the true indicators of my faith. Where my obedience is lacking, I repent. Where my actions align with God’s Word, I rejoice. I want to live in the fullness of His blessing—not just because I desire prosperity, but because obedience brings joy to the Father’s heart.

Today's Confession:
"Lord, I have heard Your Word. Today I will translate that hearing into action. I choose to obey, knowing that Your blessings follow those who walk in Your ways."

Prayer:
Father, thank You for Your clear Word. You are not a God of confusion; You have made Your expectations plain. Help me to hearken diligently—to listen with the intent to obey. May my life reflect what I truly believe. Correct every area where I have heard but not acted, and give me strength to walk in obedience. I desire the prosperity that comes from pleasing You above all else. In Jesus’ name, Amen.