Eternal Treasure Boxes

Did you have a treasure box when you were a child?

I had a special box just for my rock collection, a plastic box with a bow on top. Even more precious to me was a carved wooden box that had been my grandmother’s. It had a tiny padlock on it, and in this box I kept only my most cherished treasures.

Now I have a special drawer which I fill mostly with letters and pictures from those dearest to me. Sometimes when I am struggling, I will open my drawer and pull out a handful and soak up the love written and drawn just for me.

If you have spent much time here at Do Not Depart, you are surely familiar with this verse:

 

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. (nlt) Psalm 119:11

 

Many of you have joined in the Hide His Word challenges to memorize scripture. And many of you have dug deep into the Word in bible studies with us.

But did you know that the word translated “hide” doesn’t just imply study and memorization? Some versions actually translate it as “treasure.”

 

Your word I have treasured in my heart, that I may not sin against You. (nas) Psalm 119:11

 

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A treasure, to be tucked away in my most tender and precious place… my heart. God’s Word is a sweet gift to be delighted in.

 

I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget your word.  (esv) Psalm 119:16

 

How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!  (esv) Psalm 119:103

 

The scriptures are a God-sized, holy version of the drawer of precious letters written full of love and encouragement just for me. This treasure is a free offering, given for each one of us, accessible at all times!

Today is Thanksgiving in the United States, and families around the country will be sitting down to share a meal and count their blessings. As believers, we know that we are to joyfully give thanks every day and in all circumstances.

 

Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.  1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

 

Certainly, one of the greatest blessings and joys for which I am thankful is God’s Word.  While I was raised in a Christian home, I didn’t really read and study God’s Word until I was an adult. It is not an exaggeration to say that it completely transformed my life.

As we head into the days after our Thanksgiving holiday, much time and money will be wrapped up in pursuing earthly treasures. Gift shopping has become so deeply a part of our culture at this time of year that we have special names for the days after Thanksgiving… Black Friday… Cyber Monday.

But you and I, children of God, have the privilege and joy of pursuing heavenly treasure.

Let us delight in His Word, and make our hearts eternal treasure boxes!