Gold Fever

Bible Reading: Psalm 19:7-11

The mining cars rattled along the tracks as Parker and his family peered ahead into the dimly lit interior of the old mining shaft. “Do you think we could still find gold down here?” Parker asked excitedly.

The tour guide chuckled. “Got a little gold fever?” he asked.

“Gold fever?” asked Parker’s sister Alexa with a puzzled expression. “What’s that? Do you get sick when you mine for gold?”

“No,” the guide answered. “Gold fever is a term that was used years ago to describe people so eager to find gold that they devoted their entire lives to the search. Those who found a vein of gold became wealthy. When that happened, it often seemed like gold fever was a contagious disease. Others caught it and wanted to become rich too.”

“Cool!” Parker exclaimed. “I wish I could find gold.”

Alexa grinned. “Sounds like you do have gold fever,” she teased.

Dad laughed. “I don’t think Parker would really like mining. These mine shafts were cramped and uncomfortable and often dangerous. Miners had to be persistent and tough. They needed to have a passion to find gold.”

When the tour was done, they came up into the sunshine again. “That was awesome!” said Parker. “Mining would be hard work, but if I found gold, it would be worth it.”

“Yeah! You’d be rich!” said Alexa.

After dinner that evening, Dad reached for his Bible. “It’s time to do some mining!” he announced with a smile. “Who would like to be rich?”

“Me!” Parker raised his hand. “But how would we do mining?”

“Studying the Bible is something like mining for gold,” said Dad. “Searching for the truth and wisdom in God’s Word requires persistence and patience. It can be hard work, but the results are well worth the effort.”

Alexa laughed. “You can be a miner after all, Parker.”

“You both can,” said Dad. “And unlike gold, the Bible’s riches are eternal. It tells us the truth of Jesus and what He did to save us, and it offers us wisdom and encouragement in our walk through life with Him. If you devote your life to finding God’s riches, your reward will be much greater than any gold you could ever find.”

-Karen E. Cogan

How About You?

Have you done any mining for heavenly gold? No earthly riches can compare with the treasure God offers you in His Word. It tells how you can have eternal life with Jesus, who died to save you from sin. It’s filled with truth, wisdom, and promises. As you take its words to heart, it will help you look to Jesus for joy, peace, and contentment. When you mine the Bible’s treasure, the rewards last forever.

Today’s Key Verse:
Psalm 19:10 The Word of the Lord is worth more than gold, even more than much fine gold. (NLV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Mine God’s gold—the Bible