Devotionals for the Heart: Why you should store your treasures in Heaven

Where is Your Treasure?
A devotional by Peg Arnold

“Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”—Matthew 6:19-21 NLT

Early one freezing winter morning, we were on our way to the Denver airport taking my brother and his wife to catch a 7 a.m. flight. On the way there we reminisced about the wonderful memories made on their first visit to our new home. Suddenly, another vehicle crashed into our car. We shook in our seats as the right side of our car swung up, then veered and hit the cement construction barrier wall on the left. We feared we would flip over as our car was dangerously balanced on the two right wheels and continued to move forward.

My husband skillfully maneuvered the vehicle to the shoulder. We all spoke at once: “Is everyone okay?” “What just happened?” “A car came out of nowhere and hit us.” “Look at the passenger window!”

Shattered glass covered the dashboard and front seat. We breathed a sigh of relief as we realized we were not hurt nor dead, saying, “Thank you, Lord, we are okay!”

Despite being shaken up, I quickly dialed 911 to report the incident. My brother, however, scheduled an Uber to pick them up at the accident location. The next few hours were a flurry of activity. The Uber driver arrived before the policeman! We shivered outside as we talked with police, EMTs, firefighters, tow truck drivers, and insurance agents as the traffic on the busy highway flew by. Finally, we headed home crammed into the back seat of a truck cab, with our demolished car on the rear bed.

Once home, I wandered about aimlessly and finally cuddled in a blanket. I shared the harrowing experiences with family and friends, reliving the situation as a bad dream. Yet, as I looked at the pictures of the demolished car that hit us, God gently calmed my nerves, soothed my mind, and revealed new perspectives. First, I praised Him for protecting us. Despite the extreme damage to the cars, the personal injuries were minimal. God safeguarded all involved, even though the accident occurred on a dark, busy highway.

Did you ever wake up with plans only to have a sudden crash derail everything? Life precariously balances on two wheels, and you hang on, uncertain of what the next step will bring. In these moments, when our world turns upside down, it's not our strength but the comfort and hope of God that sustains us.

Unfortunately, this situation isn’t over for us because we still have the inconvenience of no car to drive, the insurance paperwork to complete, doctor's appointments to keep, and the cost of vehicle repairs or replacement. This all takes time, and there are many emotions to process when we experience unexpected traumatic events that destroy our material things.

Through this ordeal, God brought a familiar scripture to mind. It is not one I would have considered in this situation but it proves true. Matthew 6:19-21 (NLT) says, “Don't store up treasures here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.”

This message warns us not to fret about material things but to focus on God's kingdom first. Sometimes, this is difficult when those items are critical to your lifestyle and impact your finances. But I think it is God's reminder to prioritize our relationship with Him and value the fragility of life.

Where is my treasure after experiencing this unexpected event? My heart desires to nurture my relationship with God and others while lifting praises for His provision. I often don't get it right, but I am grateful for God's wisdom, guidance, and patience as I learn these life lessons.

Let’s Pray:

Dear Lord, 

When we encounter a situation that unexpectedly and precariously flips our lives, help us cling to Your promises. You are t he strength that sustains us, the comfort that supports us, and our hope for the future. Help us not give in to worries and anxiousness about material inconveniences each day. But instead, focus on the treasures of connection with You and others. 

In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

Song of Reflection: “Angels” by Amy Grant. Listen to it here.

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Author Bio:

Peg Arnold, Speaker/Author/Teacher is a Drama Queen for Jesus. 

Her vibrant, interactive, and soul-stirring messages encourage all to embrace their God-given value. As a mom, wife, nana, mentor, with a master’s in counseling, she connects on a personal basis by sharing her joys and challenges of many life experiences through her dramas, messages, and witness. Whether talking with a friend over coffee or addressing hundreds of people at a conference, her passion for equipping women is contagious.

She has published devotions on YouVersion and in the Upper Room. In addition, she has contributed to two Chicken Soup for the Soul books, three anthologies, numerous articles, and blogs. Her devotional, Devotions for the Distracted Heart, received a 2022 OASIS award. 

Peg desires everyone to know that their story is important and has a purpose. She grew up in Michigan and raised her family in Maryland. Later in life, Peg and her husband relocated close to their family in Colorado.

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