Treasure hunting in the sand is an amusing hobby. It’s a hobby that all ages can take part in and is fun to watch beach goers break out their metal detectors and comb the shores looking for any and all kinds of treasure. Hunters on the younger side of the age range squeal with delight when they find anything, even if it’s only a utensil or a broken toy. More mature hunters, take their hunting a bit more seriously. Consistently being drawn back to the beach in search of their next big find; having to sort through all kinds of junk to find that next piece of forgotten jewelry or lost old coin.

Does God address treasure in His Word? YES! Yes He does!

What about words? Words can be treasure or they can be a deadly weapon. Matthew 12:35 says A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgement. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned. That is some pretty strong language regarding the words we speak.

Matthew 6:19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is there your heart will be also.”

What do I treasure in my heart? Material things? Health? Financial security? Safety? Entertainment? Does what I treasure align with God’s purpose and what He values? Do I use what resources and passions I have to search out and minister to what God treasures? Am I seeking my own earthly treasures and therefore, indifferent to the treasures that are eternal?

We are created in His image and because of this we have a longing in our hearts that cannot be filled by any worldly possession. The pleasure these possessions bring is temporary and, like flowers, fade and die over time. These possessions can be so alluring and exciting but they cannot sustain our souls. They cannot satisfy that longing in our heart. Our souls require something far more meaningful; something eternal full of light, hope and a deep sense of belonging.

Seeking God and His treasure can bring peace to a troubled and frazzled heart, joy to those overcome by sadness, healing to the hurting. God’s Word is to my soul what aloe is to a sunburn; balm to my scorched soul.

So, when you stumble upon one of God’s hidden treasures, squeal with delight and protect it as the eternal treasure it truly is.

Psalms 119:162 I rejoice at Your word as one who finds great treasure.