Treasured Possession

The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people,
his treasured possession. —Deuteronomy 7:6

READ: Deuteronomy 7:6-11

REFLECT: Just above my kitchen sink is a ledge that holds an interesting collection of treasured possessions. Among them are gifts that my sons, now teenagers, have given me over the years: a homemade birthday card, a painted flowerpot, a sculpture of Play-Doh.

These gifts are set apart from other things because they mean a lot to me. They remind me of the special and loving relationship I share with my sons.

When I read Deuteronomy 7, I think of my kitchen ledge and my treasured gifts. They remind me that I have been set apart as God’s treasured possession. “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God; the Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on earth to be his people, his treasured possession” (v. 6).

Within each of us is a deep longing to be loved and cherished. This passage reminds us that God treasures us. God loves us not because of who we are or anything we might do. God loves us because that is the nature of God. In God’s sight we are of limitless value.

It is hard to fathom this kind of love. Yet no matter where we journey in life, God holds us dearly and loves us much more than all the earthly treasures we will ever cherish.

—Sandi Hannigan Marr

RESPOND: Loving God, thank you for choosing me to be your cherished possession. Help me receive with gratitude all the love and goodness you hold for me in this day.