Matthew 6:21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

Psalm 115: 4 “Their idols are silver and gold, made by human hands,”. 

Here is a question – what do you think of when you consider God’s blessings? My mind works in round about ways at times. It may seem like my thinking and thought process is scattered and unconnected. And maybe it is, but that is the way God designed me to think and process His teachings. So, will you allow me to try and connect these seemingly scattered verses, thoughts and questions? 

When I read the Bible and verses like “He will bless the house of Israel” and “He will receive blessing from the LORD.” Or “God blessed them”. My mind automatically assumes these blessings being financial or worldly in some form or fashion. Why is that? That question is where this particular train of thought began. Psalm 115:12-18 talks about God blessing various people, the house of Israel, the house of Aaron, those who fear the LORD. When I read those words, the question “What does a blessing from God look like? formed in my mind. Followed by – what does my hope in a blessing from God look like? Worldly wealth, status, success, jobs, etc.. Isn’t all that “stuff” what the Psalmist is talking about in verses 4-8? Man made idols that can’t speak, see, hear or move? Not to mention that none of these “blessings” do anything to further the kingdom of God. And if that (furthering God’s kingdom) is my goal and calling, why oh why do I continue to seek, hope and worship idols? I mean really, if I had more worldly wealth would I use it for God and His kingdom or would I use it for the kingdom of Lori? The one where she drives a 2020 Jeep, while she remodels her house and takes really cool vacations? The reality is that I am a sinner and I cannot be trusted with more as long as I worship what the world has to offer more than I worship God. 

The devotional I was reading this same day led me to Matthew 6:21. (Isn’t God fascinating in the way He works!) This verse is pretty clear “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This forces us to ask the question- where is my treasure? For me, it was helpful to define the word treasure. Webster’s Dictionary defines it as: wealth stored up or hoarded, wealth of any kind or in any form. Something of great value or worth. A collection of precious things to hold on to. To cherish, prize, hoard, boast, glory, honor, take pride in, stockpile or stash. Ouch! Some of those words hit a little too close to home. And since I’m all about being honest here, this is the list that came to mind as I wrote in my journal of what I treasure: My family, home, status, friends, bank account, ministry, time alone and self. Do you know notice what is missing from that initial list? You know conviction just plain hard! It is a difficult thing to want. I know I need to be convicted, even when it hurts because it is what brings real and lasting change of heart. Jesus is the answer! Jesus is the one who is missing! The One I call LORD and Savior, He should have been first on that list! 

Going a few verses further in Matthew you read these words in 6:24 “No one (not even me) can serve two masters (God and self), since he will hate one and love the other or he will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.”(additions mine). Why do I continue to look to what and who, things and people that are not my Savior to satisfy my heart? Why do I insist on doing more, trying to fix instead of simply running to Jesus? Looking at the Matthew verse- This prayer came -”my heart is clearly filled with worldly treasure and not you God. How do I go about making You my treasure? I so desperately want my life to be different, better than it is. I just have no idea how to go about getting there, or even move forward.” There are days when I wonder if I will ever get this right. My heart hurts at the reality that it is not in the right place. But, I was reminded of this additional truth that we can rest in. It comes from Ephesians 1:4-5 “For He chose us (that includes you and me) in Him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before Him. He predestined us (you and me) to be adopted as sons (and daughters) through Jesus Christ for Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will.” You and I are not designed to walk through this life alone, but with God on our side. He has blessed me with His Spirit who lives in me every single second of every single day! Not to mention some pretty awesome friends who are also trying to live a godly life, a great church and a loving, supportive family. 

Let me end with these words that can be found in several places in the Psalms “Give thanks to God for His faithful and enduring love lasts forever.” Hallelujah!