Do you find it easy to get caught up in feeling like a number? Statistics say we’re one in 7.9 billion. We have individual Social Security numbers. Driver’s license numbers. Our bank accounts, routing numbers, and PIN’s. Maybe employee numbers, Tax ID numbers, or have had to take a number at the DMV (yuck)?

I’m embarrassed to admit it, but sometimes this thought makes its way into my head: In all of His busyness running the universe – am I a number to God?

A few weeks ago, I came across a verse that stood out when I read it. I’ve seen this story before, but haven’t noticed this verse. It is found in 1st Samuel 25: 29:

Even when you are chased by those who seek to kill you, your life is safe in the care of the Lord your God, secure in his treasure pouch!

This does start out rough talking about King David’s enemies chasing him and wanting to kill him. Hopefully that’s not our situation! However, notice the text says “when you are chased”, not “if you are chased.” We have all kinds of stuff chasing us don’t we? Bills, illnesses, pain, problems, hurts, disappointments, confusion . . . If anything, the resistance we are encountering can be reassurance that we are living lives that matter. The conclusion is in this lifetime we are going to face problems, hassles, and trials. However, in ways to vast for our minds to comprehend – God is protecting us. Even if we have the roughest life – we have the hope of eternity in heaven if we are one of God’s adopted kids (see Romans 8:1-17 to make sure you are in the family!).

Let’s focus on the last part of the verse. Treasure pouch – I like that! If we are God’s children then we must be in that pouch. I reflected on some of the attributes of what it means to be inside of a treasure pouch (try saying these out loud for greater impact):

I am protected.

I am valued.

I am cherished.

I am separated – in a good way.

A cost was paid for me.

He has invested in me.

I am His guarded possession.

I am safe.

He shows me off to others . . .

What about life’s challenges chasing us? Yes . . .

Once those tough times hit we can fix our minds on being in that pouch. Now, and then forever in eternity. When bad things happen, we can move forward knowing that we will ultimately triumph even though circumstances temporarily set us back.

Go out today and shine like the treasure that you are! Please comment if there are any other treasure attributes that you came up with to add to the list.

Blessings,

Dave 🙂

https://www.amazon.com/author/davidrische