Read Job 28:1-10

Job paints a vivid picture of the work of miners in Biblical times.  Deep in the earth, there were deposits of precious gems and metals such as gold, silver, iron, and sapphires.  In order to obtain these treasures, however, miners had to take action.  They searched for ore in desolate places, dug shafts in the earth, swung precariously on ropes, and tunneled through rock.  It was lonely and dangerous work, but there was a great reward.  After cutting through the rock and earth in darkness, the miner would eventually see the treasures hidden within (v. 10).

When we’re going through a dark or difficult period, it’s hard to see the treasures waiting for us.  Sometimes God will take the initiative to speak to us and comfort us, but there are other times when we have to take action to unearth those gems.  We might need to spend time in prayer, study the scriptures, listen to a worship CD, join a Bible study group, or seek out godly teachers or Christian counselors. Rest assured that any effort you take to dig deeper into your faith is time well spent.  God has unlimited treasures waiting for you.

(N.B. This devotion was first published in Penned from the Heart, Vol. 20, 2014, Son-Rise Publications, New Wilmington, PA, edited by Marilyn Nutter. It may be reprinted for free.)

Nola Passmore writes fiction, poetry, devotions and creative nonfiction. She and her husband Tim operate a freelance writing and editing business from their home in Queensland, Australia. You can access her weekly writing tips blog at their website: www.thewriteflourish.com