“But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.” II Corinthians 4:7-9

The letters that Paul wrote to the various churches are some of my favorite reads when I need advice and direction for my everyday life. When trouble, worry and the weight of the world push me down, the practical language and certainty of this verse from II Corinthians remind me that I am rich and powerful in the Lord.

God is the treasure of my heart. The Holy Spirit is God in me. But sometimes I feel like I lock my “God treasure” away in a little chest. I’m not keeping it safe; I am just keeping it until I really need it. I try to handle things on my own and only unlock my “God treasure” when I have failed. I keep God locked away and only bring Him out when I choose. But I need to fling open that treasure chest and share my wonderful “God treasure” with everyone!

We are weak and broken creatures, jars of clay. But with our mighty God as our treasure, living in us, we can channel His love, His words, His power, and His message. Even as the world presses in on us (and it seems from all directions) we can stand strong. We can all open up our treasure stores and share our God treasure with everyone we meet.

A smile for the frowning person we pass on the street, a word of encouragement for a friend struggling with sin, a hug for the person that annoys us, a prayer for the acquaintance that needs healing, and love for anyone who crosses our path. These are not really in our nature as “clay vessels” but with God as our treasure; all things are possible. We just have to make sure that we have our treasure “out of the chest” and ready to share!

This week let’s open our treasure chests wide and share our God, our treasure, with the world.

I thank God for each of you. And I thank you for joining me this week as we share our “God treasure” with all the other clay jars in our paths.

Blessings in the richness and power of your treasure!