Experiencing Jesus Together Through Lentنموونە

Day 7:
Scripture:
“Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”
Matthew 6:21 NLT

A Call To: Draw Near
The word treasure can evoke many images. One may think of an old pirate treasure of rubies, silver, and gold. There have been many treasure hunters who would devote their lives to this elusive loot. Some men and women have gone as far as losing their life in the peril of the search. When I read Matthew 6:21, it is sobering to realize that a wrong desire that becomes a strong desire can lead to the loss of my life. There is another word for such strong desires: it is called lust. Many of us are familiar with lust, especially in a sexual context. I once pictured lust as a spirit that lures the human desire beyond love or affection. It can become so strong that the pursuit of this false love can become exploitative. In today's culture, it is the very thing that destroys relationships, marriages, along with one's own life. For some, it's not another person we lust after; it's food, a pick-up truck, or shopping, or sultry series on Netflix. 

We must be careful not to let false treasure lead us and lure us away from the real treasure in our lives. When we align ourselves with the pure desire for God, we then allow Him to be the fulfillment of that desire in our hearts. He is the only one who can quench that desire. Through the consistent reading of His Word, He supplies us with the answers we have been looking for in the wrong places.

Reflection:
Can you imagine if we pursued God with the intensity of diving for treasure at the bottom of the ocean, and the response we would get from our heavenly Father? The next time you are in worship, think about the time and energy it takes to pay for your dream car and think about how you can give more energy and time to praise God. Pursue Him and listen for His voice.  In times of silence, lean into what He has already spoken in His Word.  

Praise +Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I ask that Your love and mercy move us to pursue You with greater intent. That we would search for Your voice in our lives as if it were the ultimate treasure. I pray that our hearts would be filled and healed by Your love. Let it overshadow all other desires so that our hearts become reliant on Your love alone.