Proverbs 15:16 (NLT) tells us, “Better to have little, with fear for the Lord, than to have great treasure and inner turmoil.” This verse rings so true for the Christian believer. All you have to do is read the latest headlines or delve into social media for a minute, you will undoubtedly hear of those that are rich and famous with lives that are drowning in despair. Whether it is a struggle with addiction or a life overcome with sadness and depression, many of those with great wealth have troubles that far exceed their riches. I believe it is because they haven’t experienced the reality of Jesus Christ, because once you accept his love, you are more fulfilled and at peace than you ever thought possible.
I will never forget hearing a seasoned sister declare that she’d rather spend her life with a poor man in a shack, with lots of love, than to live in a mansion with a heartless man. The wisdom of the verse in Proverbs 15:16 is echoed in the sentiment of this sister. It is such a lesson for those of us that are preparing for the treasure of our husbands.
Many of us did not develop a deep relationship with God through Jesus Christ until we were adults. By that time, the world’s programming had levied its effects on us, and most of us had learned to value what society thinks is valuable. Designer clothes, the expensive car; house, jewelry…prestige and popularity, any number of these can take precedent over our hearts and become the thing we treasure most.
Jesus Christ tells us in Matthew 6:21 (KJV), “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” When something other than our relationship with God becomes the treasure of our hearts, we get dangerously close to idolatry. Talk about turmoil, idolatry will send boatloads of it our way, because it takes us out of fellowship with Heavenly Father. In Matthew 15, Jesus reprimanded the Pharisees because they were teaching people to honor tradition above honoring the instructions of God. In Matthew 15:8, he quoted Isaiah the prophet and told them, “These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me.”
When our hearts are consumed chiefly with a desire that is outside of the spiritual, we run the risk of being viewed by God in this manner. We pray to Him, but our hearts are far from where they should be. In other words, sometimes our hearts are in the wrong place. If this is the case, God is going to help us by first correcting us. It then becomes important for us to recognize and acknowledge the work that must be done in our own hearts, and then surrender to it.
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.” This is an absolute! It’s God’s Word. God rewards, there can be no question about this. In Hebrews 11:6, He tells us that He is a Rewarder of those that diligently seek Him. We are rewarded based on what our actions deserve. This is a reality check like no other. So, when we are praying to receive from God’s storehouse of treasures, and it appears we’re not moving closer to what we desire, then we have to be mature enough to examine the secret motives of our own hearts.
God created us to be a part of His family. As His family, we are commanded to walk in Christ, where the treasures of God abound. He is being ever so patient with us as our love for Him through Christ deepens, and we are transformed into the men and women that He has called us to be. All of this isn’t for nothing. 1 Timothy 1:5 (NLT) states the goal. It says, “The purpose of my instruction is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” God is working this out in your soul. However, many of us are not surrendering, but rebelling against the work that the indwelling Holy Spirit wants to do within.
This will always cause inner turmoil that will spill over into our external circumstances. There’s a better way, and it is to remain forever true to God; to have confidence in His promise, and surrender to His will for your life. You will not lose time, nor will your blessings be delayed. God knows your heart, and if you will trust Him to work within it, you will be blessed and well satisfied with the life and husband you deserve.■
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.
“Treasure or Turmoil”, written by Kim Times, edited by Reverend Fran Mack for Sundie Morning Sistas ©2017. 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.