A treasure worth the search

Pr. 2:4: “If you seek for her [wisdom] as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures…”

Last week my kids were able to spend time playing outside with some cousins their age. They found some bones in the woods, and suddenly there was a mystery in play. They began talking about the origin of the bones, desiring to get to the bottom of why the bones were there, and searching for clues.

When we went home later that day, my kids were still talking about the bones. In fact, they came up with plans for tracking down the secret of the mystery. They also packed extra supplies to use the next morning when we went back. No provision was overlooked. There were magnifying glasses, binoculars, field journals, walking sticks, ropes, flashlights…you name it!

On the way back to see their cousins the next morning, my kids were brimming with excitement as they discussed their plans in depth. When we arrived, they got right to work. They spent the next 5 hours setting up traps, walking the property looking for clues, and searching for the answers to the mystery. At one point I saw them walking around with a bone attached to a rope. (It would later become the bait for a trap)

None of us adults ever told them that the bones were from a Thanksgiving turkey thrown out earlier that week. It was much more fun to watch their minds and imaginations at work.

Now bones aren’t much of a treasure to most of us adults, but the concept remains. Those kids spent a total of 7 hours on those 2 days searching for the hidden answers to the treasure they found. My kids were exhausted by the time we got back home the second day, heading straight to the couch to lie down for some rest.

This proverb tells us that when we search for wisdom as one searches for hidden treasure, that we will then understand the fear of the Lord, and find the knowledge of God. I saw illustrated with those kids, that it sure takes some persistence when searching for hidden treasure. Their thoughts were focused on it, their planning time was consumed with it, and their time searching was spent solely on that purpose.

If we can be as persistent, we will find the treasures that await. Will we have to answer to every question we’ve ever wondered? Not just yet. But we will find the knowledge we need for now, the fear of the One who gives it, and find the peace and satisfaction that can only come from Him.

We will know Who we are living for, and why we do what we do. We will be more determined than ever to persist in using our lives for Him. And then, one glorious day, we will be with Him for all eternity! 🙂 Now that’s a treasure worth our time!

Happy hunting!

jamie