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We Have This Treasure

August 18, 2021 · by Julie Ouellette

It’s hard to believe that summer is already drawing to a close! While I am not necessarily relishing the early wake up time that comes with the start of school, I am looking forward to a more structured schedule. This summer, we have been pretty lax with regard to a daily routine! There are a few things, though, that we have tried to make time for most days. One of these is a short devotion and prayer time.

My eight-year-old son has a few simple devotionals that we enjoy going through together. This week, we were reading from his  Indescribable book, and it was talking about a planet that scientists have discovered from another solar system called 55 Cancri e. According to data regarding the carbon monoxide to oxygen ratio that theoretically exists on this planet, it is believed that it could be completely covered in diamonds! Can you imagine?

The Treasure

As stunning and glorious as that seems, we possess a treasure of far greater worth. Second Corinthians 4:6-7a says this:

6 For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
7 But  we have this treasure  in earthen vessels...

We have this treasure. What is the treasure? It is the knowledge of God revealed in Jesus Christ; it is the light shining in a dark place. What a glory; what a precious salvation! Above all the riches that could be found in creation, even a planet completely made of diamonds, when we come to know Him, there is nothing more valuable. Truly, the only thing that is worthy to bridge the gap between our mortality and eternity is our salvation. All other riches pale in comparison.

woman smiling
Photo by Ben White on Unsplash

Do Not Fear

When my son and I began to talk through the devotion, it really struck me that the salvation of our souls is the only truly precious possession we have that cannot be taken from us. What also came to mind were scriptures throughout the Word of God that urge us not to fear the external and temporary troubles of this life, but instead, to focus on the eternal (cf. Matt. 6:19-21, Matt. 10:28, John 14:1-3, etc.).

We live in a world plagued by fear. This last year and a half has only manifested what was already lying just below the surface for so many. People are worried about the health and safety of their loved ones, their jobs, their children. There are so many unknowns, and we want to know! It’s so easy to lose ourselves in the frenzy.

But wait. Breathe in, breathe out. What did the scripture say?

We have this treasure, and no one can take it away. We have this treasure, and it will faithfully guide us from this life to the next. We have this treasure; it provides a peace that is beyond understanding. We have this treasure, and no tragedy can separate us from it. We have this treasure; it is the only steady point in a churning world.

I think we all need to be reminded from time to time about what is most important; I know I do! It’s so easy to get caught up in everything that we lose our focus. We worry, we fret, we get stressed! And, yes, that’s just life. But underlying it all needs to be the constant hum of a sure foundation that anchors our souls. We have this treasure.

God’s Love

So, as we say goodbye to summer and begin the slow trek into fall, we can look forward with confidence! Remember the old song, He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands? Well, He does! God’s got this, and God’s got us. No matter what comes our way, our eyes look up to the One who is faithful to keep us.

As the scripture says in Romans 8, there is absolutely nothing that can separate us from the love of God. We have this treasure, and the treasure will see us through.

Julie Ouellette

About Julie Ouellette

Julie Ouellette feels called to encourage others to live an effective and joyful life for the Lord! A former music teacher, she is currently a pastor’s wife, mom, music director, blogger and podcaster. She and her husband, Jason, and son, Grayson, make their home just north of Austin, Texas in the great city of Pflugerville. Julie feels strongly compelled by the message of Acts 3:6, and tries to “give what she has” to inspire and equip others. Connect with Julie at her blog, abecomingjourney.com, A Becoming Journey podcast (available on Apple, Spotify, Amazon and more), and on Instagram @juliejonesouellette.

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