The Treasure Within

The One who holds the universe lives fully inside of you.

Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God,
our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens.
He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.
He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word.
And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession

JAMES 1:17-18, NLT

Remember the old saying, “The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence”? It makes me think of my neighbor’s horses, standing in a vast field of hay but straining their necks to reach under the fence and nibble a little grass on the other side.

We all have that tendency, don’t we? From childhood all the way through our adult lives, we think those things that are just out of reach are going to really satisfy. If I could just take that vacation; if I buy that new ________; if I get that new job; if I can find that perfect someone… I’d finally be happy.

But the truth is, when we get over the excitement of our new experience or purchase or accomplishment, we soon find ourselves reaching under another fence. Meanwhile, we lose sight of the fact that as Believers we carry within us a Treasure greater than all the earth contains.

I love studying the teachings of Jesus. He never offered temporary solutions or momentary gratification. He spoke life-changing words with eternal consequences. He called us out of death and into life. No gray areas. No missing pieces.

When Jesus offered water to the woman at the well, He told her, “Those who drink the water I give will never be thirsty again. It becomes a fresh, bubbling spring within them, giving them eternal life.” (John 4:14)

God is not surprised at your longing. He created you to be a vessel of His presence. He designed you to carry a perpetual stream of life-giving water. When you became His child, He placed His Word and His Spirit within you. The One who holds the universe lives fully inside of you.

The Word within you has the power to save, protect, guide, and comfort. The Holy Spirit enables you to do the impossible, hope for the unthinkable, and rest in the midst of any storm.

It’s now your responsibility to turn your gaze and longing away from the distractions of this world and drink from His life. When you obey and follow God, you are making your home in Christ and He, in turn, makes His home in you – a union that causes the angels to marvel.

Today, pull back from those things that sparkle and try to grab your attention. Receive His forgiveness for straining to fill your longings from the empty wells of this world. Then lean back into the words of the One who made you: “Come, follow Me.” Truly, you will find all you are longing for.

“As the winds of time unfold
Treasures buried in the sand
Let Your Spirit blow within my soul
Reveal in me
All of Your majesty
Unfold the treasure within me
Joy explodes within my soul
No earthly words have ever told me
The full expanse of Your great love
Mighty love
Mighty love”[1]

[1] Amy Layne Litzelman, “The Treasure Within Me.”

Looking for more encouragement for your soul? You might also enjoy Taking Inventory

As a passionate worshiper, Amy Layne Litzelman writes, sings, and shares biblical truths from a clean, simple, yet profound perspective. She has traveled across the United States and to the Philippines and China to lead worship and teach. Amy released her first book, This Beloved Road: A Journey of Revelation and Worship, in 2011 and has composed over 70 songs and recorded four CDs. She and her husband, Matt, live in Jackson Hole, WY and have two adult sons.

To learn more about the author please visit Amy Layne Litzelman