How can we "treasure up" God's work in our hearts daily? Anchoring in the Text Luke 2:19: “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” Mary’s response models a two-fold rhythm: • “Treasured up” — she stored what God had done. • “Pondered” — she turned it over in thought and affection. Both actions are deliberate and continuous, not once-and-done moments. Understanding “treasure up” To treasure is to: • Value: recognize God’s works as precious above everything else (Psalm 119:72). • Safeguard: keep them from being lost or stolen by distraction or doubt (Proverbs 4:23). • Revisit: bring them back before the mind and heart for fresh wonder (Psalm 77:11–12). Practicing Daily Treasuring 1. Unhurried Scripture Intake • Read attentively, even a small portion, listening for God’s voice. • Joshua 1:8: “This Book of the Law must not depart from your mouth; you are to meditate on it day and night.” • Note what reveals God’s character or deeds, then linger. 2. Scripture Meditation & Memorization • Psalm 119:11: “I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.” • Repeat a verse through the day, emphasizing different words; let it shape thoughts and reactions. 3. Journaling God’s Works • Record answered prayers, providences, convictions, moments of worship. • Reread entries regularly; memory strengthens gratitude (Deuteronomy 6:12). 4. Responsive Prayer of Thanks • Turn observations into specific praise: “Lord, I thank You for…” • Philippians 4:6–7 links thankful prayer with guarded hearts and minds. 5. Conversational Sharing • Deuteronomy 6:6–7: “These words I am commanding you today are to be upon your hearts. And you shall teach them diligently to your children and speak of them…” • Speaking aloud cements truth, encourages others, multiplies joy. 6. Obedient Application • John 14:21: “Whoever has My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.” • Each day, identify one concrete step of obedience; stored truth becomes lived truth. Guarding the Heart • Limit inputs that dull affection for God (Colossians 3:2). • Counter lies with memorized Scripture (Matthew 4:4). • Cultivate quiet: brief moments of silence during transitions invite reflection. Living Out the Treasure When God’s works are treasured, they overflow: • Speech seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6). • Endurance in trial, remembering past faithfulness (Lamentations 3:21–23). • Joy that steadies daily tasks (Nehemiah 8:10). Mary’s example invites us into a lifelong habit: consciously gather each evidence of God’s hand, store it deep within, and turn it over until it shapes every word, motive, and decision. |
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