Have you ever considered God’s love as a treasure?
When I was a girl, my parents loved taking my sisters and me to the mountains for summer hikes. We’d romp through meadows, slog up steep hills, and I’d search for gold. One time, I spied something shiny in the dirt. I snatched it up and raced to show my parents my treasure, certain it was going to make me wealthy.
My dad gently told me it was fool’s gold. Still gold, right? “It’s called mica, Jeanne. It’s not valuable.”
Oh.
Decades have passed since my girlhood discovery of fool’s gold. But I still enjoy searching for treasure. Many times I was certain I’d found treasure in the forms of affirmation, acceptance, or love. In relationships, in circumstances, in things. But, sooner or later, they all revealed themselves for what they were: fool’s gold.
When I search for treasures in the wrong places, what I find and value will always disappoint. It seems the darkest places are where treasure begins to shine. In my season of infertility, I discovered treasure as I got real with God about my disappointment in what He was—or wasn’t—doing in my life and situation.
One Exciting Way to Understand God's Love for Us—It seems the darkest places are where treasure begins to shine #tellhisstory #godslove Click To TweetDuring that dark season, I truly began to understand the depth of God’s love. That realization became the treasure that brought me through the rest of that painful time. When I looked beyond my own emptiness, God revealed how He longed to fill me.
Searching for Treasure
Many times since then, I‘ve searched for treasure. Sometimes, I longed for affirmation from others or yearned for recognition for things I did. Always, I find disappointment when that shiny treasure fades.
But an early morning walk, with chirping birds and the sun dawning with soft pinks and oranges, reveals treasures in the quiet of a new day. Glimpsing God’s beauty, His handiwork in the world around me reminds me I’m surrounded by His presence. He puts His love on display.
I’m seen by Him.
This spring, with illness, stress, the growing pains of letting go, elation, and lots of busyness, I’ve found it’s too easy to become sidetracked by life’s hard. When I focus on the difficulties, I forget to search for the gifts God places in my days. Instead, my gaze narrows in on the struggles.
Just because I’m consumed by things in my life doesn’t mean my Father hasn’t left little treasures for me to find. Sometimes all it takes to discover God’s fingerprints is the willingness to fix our eyes on Him rather than on circumstances.
One Exciting Way to Understand God's Love for Us—Sometimes all it takes to discover God’s fingerprints is the willingness to fix our eyes on Him rather than circumstances. #tellhisstory #godslove Click To Tweet
Life will rain down difficulty on us. At times, we may feel overwhelmed by many hard circumstances pelting us simultaneously. That’s when we most need to lean into this reality. It’s in the dark seasons when we need to be vulnerable before the Father who loves us most.
When we convince ourselves we must be strong on our own, we’ll feel the most isolated, even unloved. I believe if we look, we will find treasures—love notes from God to us.
Where Do We Catch Glimpses of God’s Love?
- In His word. God’s love notes are penned across every page. Sometimes, we need to be still, read with intention, and meditate on His word.
- In the presence of safe people. When we’re struggling in a hard season, God places safe people around to remind us of truth and offer us support.
- In places we enjoy. My morning walks offer stillness, which invites me to be more open to ponder and pour out my heart, knowing God’s listening.
- In His creation. Whether it’s walking beside the ocean, among mountain flowers, or in a meadow with blue skies overhead, I sense God’s love for me. He knows the unique things that speak love to each of His kids.
I’ve seen God’s fingerprints the most clearly when walking through trials. In the busy times, in the hard seasons, when I honestly seek Him and confess where my heart’s at, that’s when He meets me.
Treasure rarely appears the way we expect and is seldom discovered in the places we think we’ll find it. Maybe the best way to discover real treasure is to find moments of stillness when we’re honest before God and looking for His fingerprints.
Though I’ve yet to find an actual gold nugget on a hike, I’ve found many other treasures that are far more soul-filling. God loves each of us uniquely and perfectly. Are we looking for the treasures He’s crafted just for us?
What about you? Where have you found genuine treasure in your life? When have you known God’s love and presence in a painful season?
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Jeanne, your post spoke to me deeply this morning concerning some things with which I’ve been struggling.
Donna, I’ve been praying for you since I read your comment this morning. I’m so glad God used these words to speak to you. ((HUGS))
Those walks in nature and my quiet times are where I find God’s treasures, and I’m so thankful for them. I also pray to never take them for granted! Thanks for your encouraging post, Jeanne
Kathy, I find some of God’s beautiful treasures in those same places. Yes, let’s make sure we don’t take them for granted!
“Treasure rarely appears the way we expect and is seldom discovered in the places we think we’ll find it.” I have found this to be 100 percent true in my life too, Jeanne. But you’re so right … God leaves treasures designed just for us all over the place, if we just take the time to look. Sometimes it takes looking back at the hard times to find those precious gifts, but they’re always there. Hugs, friend.
Lois, you’re right. Sometimes we find God’s gifts when we look back at those hard seasons and see His fingerprints in them.
Hey Jeanne, simply beautiful words about the treasure of God’s love. Enjoyed all your examples of seeing glimpses of God’s love all around us. This really resonated with me, “I’ve seen God’s fingerprints the most clearly when walking through trials.” Powerful way to say this and it’s true in my life!
Karen, you are so good at describing many facets of God’s love. I’m glad these words spoke to you.
Jeanne, this was so beautiful and encouraging. His fingerprints are everywhere if we have the eyes to see them.
Peace and grace,
Tammy
Tammy, I’m so glad these words spoke to you. Let’s both keep our eyes wide open. 🙂
I’ve never thought about my need for affirmation or attention as a false treasure, but it fits perfectly there and helps with my perspective on it. Thank you.
I love when God uses others’ words to open my understanding in my relationship with Him. I’m glad this was helpful. 🙂
The treasures He has left for me in the challenges! They are there! What a good! Good Father we have! Living with expectation – even if its a hard time. It’s made all the difference. You write: “When I looked beyond my own emptiness, God revealed how He longed to fill me.” So glad our Father is a God who provides the inside stuff, too!
Yes, Maryleigh, in the challenges is where I’ve found the greatest treasures too. And yes, I’m glad God provides the inside filling too. 🙂
It is easy to look for treasure elsewhere. I appreciate this reminder to keep our eyes open for those little glimpses of hope God gives us even in hard times. I think they are always there but sometimes we don’t notice.
Lesley, it’s even “easy” to see the treasure God places in others’ lives, yet be blind to what He’s placed in ours. I’m so thankful God offers hope in the hard times. I agree. They are always there, but we don’t always see them. Thanks so much for visiting!
Jeanne, Wow your words resonated with me today. I too went through a season of infertility at one time. As I reflect back over that time I can see the works of our Father. I did not know him as I do today, I can see he was working behind my scenes for my good. He is my treasure indeed. Blessings.
~Selah~
Paula, I’m sorry you dealt with infertility too. It’s a painful season to walk through. But, God is so faithful to be present in those dark times. Though we may not see Him in the moment, when we look back over those times, we can see how He showed up.
I’m like you—I find God’s treasure top n nature and with a camera in hand I can capture it! The Bible holds many valuable treasures for me, as do the lyrics of many songs.
Anita, I like that we have a love of nature photography in common. 😉 The Bible holds many treasures for me too. And yes, songs! There have been seasons where God has brought me a song and I’ve listened to it on repeat as His truths sink into my heart and spirit.
oh this is so good and so true. I have found Him so faithful in dark places. I love the practicality of your article. xo
Mariel, I am with you. I’ve found God to be faithful in every situation, especially in the dark places. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts!
Great blog! Your words and pictures reach own and bring soul renewal. Thanks for words that speak life and encouragement so beautifully!
I’m so glad you enjoyed the words and pictures, mama. God is good at renewing our souls in meaningful ways, isn’t He? I appreciate your encouragement!
Jeanne, I think pain and disappointment sharpen our spiritual senses so that we recognize our true treasure.
Deb, agreed! It seems like it’s in the middle of those painful and disappointing times when I most clearly see my absolute need for God. I’m so thankful He opens our eyes to see true treasure!
Jeanne, your post is truly a treasure! Thank you for sharing your hard with us. I am learning the same lesson; life will shower us with hard, but God showers us with treasures in the midst of it. If we focus our gaze upon Him, we will see those treasures, those handfuls of purpose meant to encourage and strengthen us.
Awww, thanks for your kind words, Donna! I like how you described God showering us with treasures in the midst of our hard seasons. That’s a beautiful visual.
Jeanne,
Your photographs are a treasure to me — beautiful! I’ve been reading about the treasures we store up in heaven and about the different crowns we will receive when we finish our race on earth. The affirmation of Jesus far exceeds the treasures we strive for here on earth. As a people-pleaser, this was good news for me (maybe I’ll write a post on this) 🙂 Lovely post!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Thanks for your encouraging words, Bev! I so appreciate your insights about the treasures and crowns we store up in heaven. It’s kind of a humbling, amazing thought that God gives those. I’m thankful God views and does things with an eternal perspective in mind, not with the fickleness of humanity. You should write a post on this! 🙂
This. This right here: “I’ve seen God’s fingerprints the most clearly when walking through trials.” During my darkest times is when I’ve seen God’s light shine the brightest. Lovely post, my friend. So much truth!
Yes and Amen, Lisa. I’m so grateful God reveals Himself so intimately, clearly, and brightly during our dark times.
Great post Jeanne.
Blessings,
Jennifer
Thanks, Jennifer!
I’m up early this morning for a doctor’s appointment. As I washed my hands at the kitchen sink, I saw through the window the streaks of pink across the sky from the sunrise. I marveled that God puts on such a display for us twice every day! What a way to start and end the day–with a demonstration of His greatness, beauty, creativity. He truly does leave little love notes to us in so many ways.
Barbara, first I hope your doctor’s appointment went well. Second, I’m so glad you got to see the sunrise. I marvel at God’s displays too. He has such a way with color and light and shadow. His love notes are the best!
Oh yes, Jeanne, He is the treasure beyond compare, our heart’s deepest desire, our joy and delight.
No one cares for us like Jesus.
I am investing myself in a glory hunt this summer. He never disappoints!
I love that, Michele. You’re looking for glimpses of glory! 🙂 What’s one piece of glory you’ve found recently?
Right now, it’s all in my garden! So much flourishing and goodness from God!
I love that, Michele. 😉
Agreed, Linda! I’m so thankful Jesus cares for us so completely and perfectly.