There is something about treasure hunting that just thrills me.
I love looking in obscure places for uncelebrated pieces – pieces of furniture, pieces of clothing, pieces of decor. There is an excitement in the anticipation of the hunt itself. That something is out there, just waiting to reveal itself to me. Something available to anyone who would look for and find it, but somehow meant especially for me.
To me, treasure hunting is so much more fulfilling than just going to a department store where what I will find is obvious. I love the challenge and the excitement of the unknown that is just around the corner, or more accurately, buried beneath the pile. It’s there. I’m not sure when or where I’ll find it. I’m not even sure exactly what I’m looking for. But I’ll know it when I see it. And it will be mine to claim when I uncover it.
I have come to look at God’s Word this way. Scripture is filled with buried treasures. Truths that have been there all along but that I somehow come across at just the right time and they mean something new or become more poignant to my life. The truths that are available to anyone who will seek them out, but that seem like they were written specifically for me. Digging through the bible with the passion of an geologist looking for precious stones always produces priceless gems.
And what if I approach looking for God’s answers or guidance in my life in the same way? What if I stopped looking for the department store version – the quick answer and easy fix? How would my perspective change if my eyes were constantly looking in obscure places, those “thrift stores”, for God’s direction? If my ears were perked to listen for answers that come in different shapes and sizes and colors than I might have imagined?
Suddenly, when I look at God’s Word and His answers to me and for me with the mindset of a treasure hunt, my heart and mind thrill with the anticipation of the possibilities that await me! Every opportunity holds promise. Every time spent reading my bible gives me hope. Each encounter with another person has the potential of carrying God’s voice to my listening ear. Everything takes on new meaning and instead of frustration with the process of “waiting”, I experience joy in the unknown because I know that something out there has my God-written name on it. And though I have yet to discover it, I know that God will reveal it if I watch with open eyes and listen with open ears.
What treasures await you today? What secrets does God long to share with you? What will they be, where will you find them and how will they impact your life? The possibilities are literally endless…
Isaiah 45:3 – I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the LORD, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
Proverbs 2:2-6 – turning your ear to wisdom and applying your heart to understanding— indeed, if you call out for insight and cry aloud for understanding, and if you look for it as for silver and search for it as for hidden treasure, then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
Matthew 6:21 – For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
