Have you ever searched for buried treasure? Better still, have you ever discovered any? Here are some ways you might try:
If you’ve ever watched the History Channel on TV, you may have seen episodes of “The Curse of Oak Island.” My husband and I enjoy history, so the weekly programs stir our imaginations of treasure hunting.
The Search for Buried Treasure
For over 200 years, treasure hunters have attempted to uncover buried treasure on a southern island in Nova Scotia. Many have lost their lives–thus, dubbing the program, “The Curse of Oak Island.”
Two brothers, Rick, and Marty Lagina, and their team have been investing their time and money for years in the hunt for the island’s famed “money pit” and buried treasure. You can find out more about them and the history episodes here.
Children Also Love Buried Treasure
Adults are not the only ones mesmerized by treasure hunting. Children are especially fascinated with stories of buried treasure, especially if they can enter the hunt.
Hunting for Buried Treasure in Nature
When my daughters were small, I introduced them to nature treasure hunts. At first, they dragged their feet, but soon entered into the journey like a game. Our scavenging took us through the alley behind our house, our backyard, on sidewalks, or in safe playgrounds. The first day we began, we bagged everything from smooth pebbles, feathers, assorted leaves, and other interesting nature items that childish eyes viewed as special “treasures” from God.
The next day as we were walking, I spied something green folded under the blades of the grass just behind our house. Reaching down to pick it up, I discovered a special treasure indeed: two dollar bills. I knew it was probably impossible to find the owner of the bills, and after all, it was on the edge of our property. We felt very rich, and quickly pocketed our green, heavenly manna.
The following day, the girls awoke and tried to drag me out of bed. They couldn’t wait to go hunting again. What kind of treasures would we find this time? We headed back to the same place where we had discovered our “buried” treasure. A few yards away, I begin to dig into the grass with my foot.
More Buried Treasure?
No! It couldn’t be! I reached down and pulled back the blades again, and there, half buried in the ground, lay another dollar bill. How had we missed it earlier?
After that, the girls were hooked. We rarely missed an opportunity to go hunting, always hopeful that we might find buried treasure.
God’s Word Is Like a Buried Treasure Hunt
God’s Word is like that. It’s like a treasure hunt. Jesus said, “Seek, and you shall find….” (Matthew 6:33). And when we, like David, the Psalmist,” decide to “delight ourselves” in His Word (see Psalm 119:16), we will find great treasure waiting.
Once you find the treasures God has prepared for you in Scripture, I pray you will be hooked. I hope you’ll want to go hunting every day to see what else might be buried in the pages of His Word. What you find will be more valuable than dollar bills. In fact, Psalm 19:10 says the “treasures” you find are “more to be desired…than gold…much fine gold.”
God’s Treasures Always Satisfy
I started my spiritual treasure hunts decades ago in the pages of Scripture. Even if my bank account seems meager, I feel rich indeed. His treasures always satisfy.
Where to Start Your Buried Treasure Hunt?
Wherever you want. Here are a couple of ideas if you need help getting started. This is by no means an exhaustive way to study the Bible—just a beginning point.
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Planned Treasure Hunts
I love Psalms and Proverbs. For years I read one chapter a day to correspond with the calendar day of the month. I still turn to those chapters often. You’ll uncover valuable nuggets that will last a lifetime.
Try a good reading plan provided in most study Bibles now or online. Most can read the Bible through in a year if you follow these plans. Because I am a writer, my “through the Bible plans” usually involve a “slow dig” and last longer than a year.
I love to keep a diary or make notes and record questions, and I often pray over Scripture–using the words in the Bible verse to pray for someone else or myself. Some “gems” I find just need extra time for handling, polishing, and recording all the fine points God shows me. When I complete one read-through, I start over with another translation or version.
I also enjoy reading the four Gospels as much as possible. That way, Jesus’ words and examples stay embedded in my heart
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Spontaneous Treasure Hunts
Spontaneous hunts are intentional, so you could still call them planned, but I heard someone once call it the “Lucky Dip,” method. I would rather call it the “Quick Dig” hunt. There are times when, because of time constraints or other circumstances, I want to dig quickly into God’s Word.
I am a firm believer that on every page of God’s Word, you will find a nugget of treasure waiting for you. In fact, God used the spiritual truths in His Word as a beginning point for me to create many a devotion by such a method. Other times, those devotions have involved hours of study, research, and prayer!
My only caution: be careful that you do not try to interpret some “nuggets” apart from the rest of God’s Word. Intense treasure hunts require good tools, ample time, and God’s Spirit to enlighten your heart.
Start Digging for Buried Treasure
What are you waiting for? Start digging!
P.S. For those of you on my newsletter list, be sure and read your personal newsletter update from last week. There, I “buried” some treasure I hope you’ll enjoy and take advantage of: a special gift book bundle for you. (And if you haven’t yet signed up for my newsletter, do so soon, so you won’t miss out on those buried treasure “deals” from time to time.)
My Personal Prayer for You
Lord, Your Word is such a precious treasure. Help us to search it with greater passion than someone hunting for gold. We need You, Lord. And we so need the truths in the Bible, Your inspired Word. Give us wisdom and discernment as we search for the buried treasures you have waiting for us. May Your Spirit whisper to us clearly as we read, study, and meditate on Your Word. In it we will find Life. And we will discover the most important treasure of all: Your great love for us.
In Jesus’ name,
Rebecca
It’s Your Turn
Have you ever been on a treasure hunt? What did you find? Have you ever looked for “buried treasure” in the pages of God’s Word, the Bible? If so, what are some valuable nuggets you found? I’d love to hear from you anytime. You can always write me through my contact page. Just fill out the basic name and address info, and then it will come to me. Your name or info is not shared with anyone.
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