All Precious and Pleasant Riches

“By wisdom a house is built,
    and by understanding it is established;
by knowledge the rooms are filled
    with all precious and pleasant riches.” Proverbs 24:3-4

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” Romans 11:33

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace, which he lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight… In the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 1:3-8;2:7

A house established in divine wisdom is filled with spiritual treasure, its rooms awash with light to showcase the lovely graces and pleasant knowledge there. So are individuals rooted and grounded in Christ. The source is always Jesus, the Creator and Giver of every good and perfect gift, and we bear the responsibility of building on His foundation and filling our rooms with the rich and every and immeasurable spiritual blessings He bestows. Established in Him, our lives become bright, welcoming structures for many and all to taste and see those blessings. (James 1:17)

It is as impossible to fathom “every” spiritual blessing as it is to grasp being known from eternity past, predestined to become His child, and that Jesus came to make us holy and blameless to the praise of His glory. But these all are true, and real, and sure for us from the moment we were adopted to be His children and into eternity. Have we taken inventory of our deep and heavenly riches?

Are we hungering after the wisdom and knowledge of God, seeking and savoring it as treasure for our souls? Do we apply it to guard our integrity, supply discretion, direct our paths, and clarify right choices when tempted? (Proverbs 2:1-15)

Is the gift of full forgiveness making a daily difference in our response to the Spirit’s personal conviction? Do we hide sin away, excuse it, ignore its offense, or bring it deliberately to the cross that sets us free? And do we value the forgiveness extended to us enough that it transforms how we see and treat others- their bad choices, their hurtful actions against us? (John 8:32; Ephesians 4:32)

Are we secure in the steadfast love of the Beloved, believing no one can snatch us from His hand? And whom do we envelop in that love that is patient and kind, not jealous or self-seeking or remembering wrongs? Are we expectant for God’s redeeming of ugly and impossible situations, trusting with sure hope that He will complete the good work of redemption He has begun? (John 10:28-29; 1 Corinthians 13:4-7; Philippians 1:6; 1 John 4:19)

Innumerable, unfathomable riches are ours forever and to enjoy. Are we living as paupers, or taking full advantage?

Good Father, my Benefactor, help me seize, treasure, and utilize Your bountiful and gracious riches, by faith, and for Your glory.