Store your treasures in Heaven
When I heard of the travesty and devastation Hurricane Harvey and Hurricane Irma left (and the Hurricanes thereafter), my heart went out to all those who had been affected. I had so many thoughts running through my mind, and a variety of emotions welling up within me. I said many prayers, and have continue to pray for those who have experienced loss, damage, and trauma (knowing that God is in full control). Then, in the midst of the overwhelming emotions, I selfishly had a feeling of gratitude. I was thankful that my friends and family were safe, and that my home and things had not been destroyed. I was thankful that my stuff wasn't in 10 feet of water. I tried to think of how I would feel, losing everything except the clothes on my back. I wondered how I would react if all my possessions had been destroyed? Then the Holy Spirit gave me a Bible verse:
Matthew 6:19-20 reads
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.
The verse tells us that our possessions on earth can easily be destroyed or stolen at any time, but the things we store in heaven will never be taken from us. We must store treasures in heaven, and not put so much value on the things of earth. Right after reading this verse, I bore in mind that when I die (or when Jesus returns), I will not be able to take any material or worldly things with me to Heaven. Job says it like this, naked I came from my mother's womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised (Job 1:21). All the material possessions I have won't matter because they will eventually rot, be thrown away, or in someone else's care. That is why it is so important to lay our treasures in heaven. You may be asking yourself what are examples of treasures in heaven? I will name a few for you, but then I'd like you to ask personally God what it means.
One of my most prized treasures I store in heaven are my prayers. No one can take away the daily dialog I have with God, and no one knows what heartfelt cries being poured out. I can be upset, angry, in despair, or broken and God hears/sees it all. He sees my heart, and understands me even when I cannot gather the words. Regardless if my prayers are requests, pleads, joyful praises, tears, debates, or toiling, only God knows what is said between Him and I. It is an intimate time with the Lord and I, and I love that I can freely go to Him with my thoughts, worries, and concerns. Matthew 6:6 says But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. When we pray, God rewards us. I also use prayer to intercede and pray for others as well. Then when I see God move or working on my prayer requests, I jump for joy! I have seen God answer so many prayers! Our prayers are treasures.
Other treasures are stored up when I'm kind to people who don't treat me well or don't deserve it. Giving others the grace God gives to us, and being merciful and forgiving are other treasures. Everyday and every time something happens to us, we are given a choice on how we can act or react. God rewards us when we behave like Jesus. Colossians 3:23-24 says Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. When our behavior is pleasing to God, it also glorifies Him and He will be faithful to reward us. Again, these are treasures that no one can take from you.
Just as we can choose to pray for others, forgive, extend mercy or grace, we can also choose to give. We can be giving of our time, talents, skills, knowledge, wealth, possessions, heart, love, and so much more. When we give, we always feel good because it is always more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35). No one can tells us not to give or prevent us from giving because it is solely your decision. These are just a few ways, but there are many others ways we can store our treasures in heaven. (Ask God to reveal them to you!)
After pondering on all these things, and receiving God's revelation what it means to store up treasures in Heaven, I suddenly felt sick to my stomach. Why did I have an excess of stuff, while others had nothing? It doesn't seem fair or just that other people are hurting while I am here feeling all secure and safe. My gratitude immediately turned into sorrow. I felt unworthy, disheartened, and wretched. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't asking God to send a Hurricane my way, or to have some devastation happen to me. I just started to questions God, and my heart was saddened and ached terribly for homeless and hurting. Then God spoke again. He reminded me that His ways and thoughts are higher than mine (Isaiah 55:9) and showed me this verse in Isaiah 45:5-7:
I am the Lord, and there is no other; apart from me there is no God. I will strengthen you, though you have not acknowledged me, so that from the rising of the sun to the place of its setting people may know there is none besides me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.
Yes, in all things, whether we deem them good or bad, God is in control and He will be glorified. I am not smart enough to understand everything going on in the world, but I will walk in faith, knowing and trusting that God is good and faithful, and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). There is a time for everything, and certain things must come to pass for God's will to be fulfilled. Again, I don't understand very much, but we can remain steadfast, confident, and firm in God's Word. God reminds us of treasures once again, and says in the same chapter of Isaiah 45, in verse 3:
I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name.
So remember to store for yourself, treasures in heaven in which no one can steal, destroy and take from you. Be thankful for what you have, and pray for those hurting and in mourning. Be like Christ, pour out His love to others, forgive and give grace, and God will reward you. Trust in Him, even when you don't understand. Root yourself in His Word, and pray without ceasing.
Let us pray.
Lord God Almighty,
Thank You for this message. I praise You for Your wisdom, and the knowledge and understanding You have given me and the readers. We may not understand what You are doing, but we trust You. Please be with those hurting around the world, especially those impacted by the recent hurricanes. Bring healing and restoration, both spiritually and physically. Give them divine and supernatural provisions. Thank You that we have treasures in heaven. Thank You for helping us see what truly matters. Thank You for everything You are doing, all that You have done, and what You will do. Be glorified in all that You do, and all that happens. May we continue to trust you and walk by faith, not by sight. In Jesus' name, amen.
Prayerfully,
Pam
