In Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT), Jesus Christ teaches us to discern the condition of the soul’s heart by observing what it treasures. This passage says, “19 Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”” These verses are a part of Jesus’s sermon on the mount, where he taught a great multitude of those who followed him. As it did a few thousand years ago, these words pull on those that have lived after his ascension to distinguish between the kinds of treasures we store and where we will store them.
When discussing where we store our treasures, Jesus initially mentions storing them on earth. It’s important to note that our treasures aren’t merely the possessions themselves, but rather the emotional attachment and significance we associate with them. To lay up a treasure is to store it, and Jesus cautions us against considering earthly possessions as our treasures because everything on earth is temporary and fleeting. He advises us to focus instead on treasures that hold eternal value in heaven. However, the reality is that many of us prioritize earthly, material treasures over spiritual ones, and it’s essential to change this perspective. Our hearts are inclined to follow whatever we treasure.
God said in Jeremiah 17:10(NLT), “But I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Our Heavenly Father searches all hearts, fully aware of what we treasure at any given moment, and He discerns whether our ultimate treasure is Him or something else. It’s easy for us to deceive ourselves about the true contents of our hearts and what they prioritize. The psalmist prayed in Psalm 139:23-24 (NLT), “Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.” This must be our prayer as well.
Often, we find ourselves harboring pain in our hearts because we prioritized something earthly over our relationship with our Heavenly Father. As a result, our hearts may have been broken, leading us down a path of despair. In these moments of confusion and hurt, we may feel lost and unsure of how to navigate our emotions. However, while we may not understand the internal pathways to our pain, the Holy Spirit does.
In John 16:13, Jesus Christ assures us that the Holy Spirit will lead us into the truth of God’s Word. Although we may strive to understand everything on our own, the reality is that we are dependent on the Spirit’s guidance. Surrendering to him is both our privilege and responsibility.
The psalmist fervently prayed in Psalm 139:23-24 (NKJV), “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” This heartfelt plea resonates with all of us who desire God’s rewards, as they are intricately linked to the contents of our hearts. Therefore, we must echo the psalmist’s prayer in our own lives. We cannot rely on our own hearts to guide us rightly, for they often lead us astray when we prioritize our emotions over God’s Word. Therefore, it is imperative to shift our focus and humbly submit to the leadership of the Holy Spirit, recognizing that our relationship with God is our greatest treasure. Through this surrender, we will find favor in the eyes of our Heavenly Father, and the Holy Spirit will guide us to a place of internal peace and joy in the Lord. ■
Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Wheaton, Illinois 60189. All rights reserved.
“Lord Search My Heart”, written by Fran Mack. Edits by Kim Times and K. Stephens for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2024. All rights reserved. All done to the glory of God through Jesus Christ, our Lord! SMS is dedicated to inspiring and encouraging Christian Women through the Word of God.