Quite a week, huh? Tornadoes in Texas. Floods in Missouri. And blizzards way up north. In a week where we are supposed to be celebrating, the weather is raging a storm. But could it be that we need to be jolted in order to remember who is really in charge?

With the flurry of things grabbing our attention, it is a fight to make Jesus our top priority. We get caught up in the things of this world. The returning of Christmas presents. The making of New Year’s Resolutions. And lest we forget, the resuming of our workout plan.

It’s tough being a Christian. Sometimes it just is. The kids are a hollering. The dog is bellowing. And we think to ourselves, “I have better things to do.”

But our relationship with Jesus must not be laid to the side. Or worse yet, entirely dismissed. He has bought you with a price and do not forget, you matter to Him. He loves you (John 3:16), cherishes you (Matthew 13:45-46), delights in you (Zephaniah 3:17)…and for you paid the ultimate price (Romans 5:8).

I recall a time when my son Kade spent hours seeking hidden treasures in the vastness of the greenbelt neighboring our backyard. It’s kinda funny to see the things a 9 year-old boy holds dear. Rusted out Coke cans. Remnants of an old bike. Partial deer antlers. Unrecognizable junk for sure! But it didn’t matter…he would run home elated with a grin smearing his face from ear to ear. Laying it all out on the table and sharing about his journey, half of the fun was in the massive treasure hunt extending a great expanse of time.

Scripture reminds us that we are not to lay up treasure here on this earth, but rather, our relationship with Jesus is what we should hold dear. We should seek after Him like hidden treasure, digging for gems deeper still.

As you make your New Year’s Resolutions, where will Jesus fit in?

It’s a New Year. A fresh start. A brand new beginning. Let’s get it going in the right direction. Will you join me?

For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21

What are your Bible study plans for 2016?