Verse of the Day Devotion:  Luke 12:34

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” –  Luke 12:34

One thing I have noticed during these extremely difficult and weird times is fear concerning current and future financial health.  People who are struggling to make ends meet, providing for the needs of their families, are increasing in numbers.  These are difficult times and we need to remain in prayer for everyone who is suffering because of the pandemic.   However, during times like these, we need to keep in mind what Paul wrote to the Philippians.  “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 comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:6-7.  I know this can be very difficult, and I am not trying to minimize the impact this is having on anyone.  From experience, I understand this.

However, we also need to understand that God loves us and he will never leave or forsake us.  As Christians, we need to decide what we refer to as our treasures.  In other words, what do we place the most value on.  And this is important for us to determine because, as our focus verse states, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Luke 12:34. And where our heart is, there is where our focus will be.  Therefore, our focus should be on God who loves us and takes care of us and our needs.  “But seek His kingdom, and these things will be added to you.” Luke 12:31.  

I have spent some time myself determining where my treasure is.  And to be honest, it has not been all what it should be.  I looked at what I focused on and realized that I need to adjust some areas in order to put things back to a proper perspective.  The main question I asked myself was, what is most important to me?  And when I thought through this, it was not things, for these are temporal, not eternal.  Another question I asked myself was, what would I not give up over anything else?  Jesus said the following in reference to this which can be difficult to contemplate but opens our minds to the reality of who we are.  “And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.” Matthew 19:29. 

So, all things said, I want to encourage everyone to examine where your heart is, which will show where your treasure resides.  The big question is, does God and His will take precedence over everything else?  If so, are you prepared, if He asks you, to give up everything?  This Jesus said to the rich young ruler.  “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.”  Matthew 19:21.  I am not saying He will require this, but what if He does? 

It is always good to examine ourselves to see where we are.  Paul tells us to “Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith; examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless indeed you fail the test?” 2 Corinthians 13:5.  It is always good to search ourselves to ensure  we are following Him as we should and have not deviated from what He says.  David prayed that God would show him.  “Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me and know my anxious thoughts; And see if there be any hurtful way in me And lead me in the everlasting way.” Psalm 139:23-24.  Sometimes we cannot see it, or maybe we do not want to see it.  If we ask Him truly desiring to know, He will show us and help us get back on the right path.  This is definitely where I want to see myself, and I am sure this is where you wish to be as well.

William Funkhouser MDiv, ThD, Founder and President of True Devotion Ministries.