As a Christian one of the greatest joys in life is to spend time in what I believe is the greatest treasure hunts imaginable – searching the Scriptures! While mining for gold and silver is often what people think about when they hear the term treasure hunt, mining the Scriptures is so much more rewarding and profitable because the ore it yields is truly priceless. For the treasures that Bible reading yield, such as godly wisdom, supreme joy, and abundant peace are guaranteed to be unearthed by the diligent seeker.
But in order to obtain the treasures that are placed throughout the pages of Scripture diligent seeking is required. I like how Arthur W. Pink put it when he said: “The Bible is no lazy man’s book! Much of its treasure, like the valuable minerals stored in the bowels of the earth, only yield up themselves to the diligent seeker.”1
As we spend a little time on our wonderful scriptural treasure hunt, I am reminded of the parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl, for we read: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:44-45)
And when it comes to treasures let’s look at the three priceless ones I listed earlier: godly wisdom, supreme joy, and abundant peace.
Godly wisdom
(Proverbs 3:13-15) tells us: “Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her.” My friends this type of wisdom is available to all who spend much time in the Word. It is a priceless treasure and diligent readers of the Bible are guaranteed to obtain it.
Supreme joy
As one diligently reads the Bible they will fall more in love with Jesus and as they enter into His presence something wonderful happens. Just read (Psalm 16:11) and be prepared to leap for joy: “You will show me the path of life; In Your presence is fullness of joy; At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.” But the thing that really excites me is that even when we go through heavy trials or persecutions we can still experience the joy of the Lord. Just read (Matthew 5:11-12) and see what diligent reading of the Scriptures can yield: “Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Knowing that we can experience deep joy in all circumstances in life, I believe, comes to those who diligently search the Scriptures. Is it any wonder the psalmist proclaimed: “I rejoice at Your word
As one who finds great treasure.” (Psalm 119:162).
Abundant peace
The psalmist also shared: “Great peace have those who love Your law,
And nothing causes them to stumble.” (Psalm 119:165). And we read in (Isaiah 26:3): “You will keep him in perfect peace, Whose mind is stayed on You, Because he trusts in You.” One of the wonderful secrets of enjoying great, perfect, and abundant peace is to follow the prescriptions of Scripture by reading, meditating on, and memorizing the Word. In closing if you want abundant peace in all situations, then take time to savor the following awesome verses: “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7).
1 Arthur W. Pink Quote: “The Bible is no lazy man’s book! Much of its treasure, like the valuable minerals stored in the bowels of the earth,…”