And He will be the security and stability of your times, a treasure of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the LORD is your treasure.

Isaiah 33:6 (AMP)

With great anticipation we poured the bags of sand into our plastic gold-mining pans and dunked them halfway down into a water trough. My sister-in-law and niece started swirling their pans in shallow water before I did. I followed their lead—gently, methodically, and with high hopes of spotting gold pieces. We were at a mining company in the mountains of Colorado west of Denver. Our guide explained that the gold would settle to the bottom and the lighter sand would float over the pan edge into the trough. Soon, flakes of gold glimmered, and we compared our finds—each secretly thinking, she got more pieces than me. Her pieces are bigger. Yes, grown women. Who can relate?

We discovered the promised tiny 24 karat gold flecks, but we kept searching. We wanted more. What makes us so enamored by earthly riches and treasures? Seeking comfort or fame, perhaps?

What does God consider to be treasures worthy of our search? Proverbs 2:1-5 describes for us conditional but valuable rewards. If we receive God’s words and treasure His commandments and if we seek for wisdom and understanding as we do for hidden treasures, then we are promised to understand the fear of the LORD and find the knowledge of God. Verse 7 adds that He stores up sound wisdom for the upright. Instead of storing up earthly treasures. So, when we give our earthly treasures to those in need and to God’s kingdom, with gratitude for all He’s done for us, we’re learning the fear of the LORD.

What treasures are you seeking, dear one? May our awe of God be our treasure once we’ve sought His incomparable wisdom and knowledge with our whole hearts.

Heavenly Father, grow us in awe of You and Your kingdom riches. Purify our hearts more than gold—forever imperishable. Your treasures lead us to fear You and fear of You is our greatest delight.

Karen Sims