Finding Treasures within God's Word

Finding Treasures within God’s Word

Read: Psalm 119:1-16

“Joyful are those who obey his laws and search for him with all their hearts.  You have charged us to keep your commandments carefully.  Oh, that my actions would consistently reflect your decrees!  (Psalm 119:2,4-5 NLT)

          What intrinsic value do we place upon the Word of God?  What treasures are contained within its pages that will make us a better person, or provide us with a foundation for living a meaningful and purposeful life? 

          We are living in a digital age.  Every day it seems a new electronic gadget hits the marketplace.  As soon as we manage to master one device another one appears.  Learning to use the latest technical jargon leaves one intimidated and confused.  I find myself overcome with an overwhelming sense of apprehension and dread. 

          This is the way many people – even believers – feel about the Bible.  For many centuries the common people were told that only the church fathers were qualified to read and interpret the Scriptures.  To the laity it was a closed and forbidden book.  Along came John Wycliffe who translated the Latin Vulgate bible into English.  He was declared a heretic and condemned by the Roman church.  The Lollards spent countless hours making copies by hand.  Then Gutenburg invented the printing press, and bibles reached the hands of the common people.  Today millions of people own one or more bibles, but many still do not know how to use or interpret its message.

          For many the bible is still a closed book.  Their failure to realize its value and the treasures contained therein leave them with the attitude – why bother!  They ask: “What does this book have for me?”

          Consider this: If someone gave you an old discarded and outdated map, you’d wonder, What am I supposed to do with this?  But if you knew that the “X” on the map was the location of a treasure trove, wouldn’t you want to examine it further and follow its directions? 

          Likewise, there are treasures galore in the word of God ready for the seeker.  The question is: “How do I find them?  Let me suggest some ways to accomplish this task:

1.     Take time to read the bible every day.  The morning when you get up is a good time.  Use various translations to help explain the meaning of words.  (Joshua 8:34-35)

2.     Take time to meditate and allow the treasures within to soak into your soul.  (Psalm 119:148)

3.     Take time to pray over passages that seem difficult to understand.  Ask the Holy Spirit for His help.  He promises to be your teacher and guide.  (John 14-16)

4.     Take time to draw upon its transforming power.  (Romans 12:1-2)

          You’ll find yourself becoming a walking treasure house filled to overflowing with the promises of God’s word.

Thought for the Day: God’s word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me to saturate myself with the treasures of your Holy word.