Taonga

“I will give you treasures hidden in dark and secret places. Then you will know that I, the LORD God of Israel, have called you by name. ” (Isaiah 45:3)

The greatest taonga, the greatest treasure is found in the hidden places. In life, in the hard places and amongst the darkness, there is treasure to be found. Just like earth’s precious jewels are all found buried and hidden. Whether it is gold, pearls or diamonds, they are all hidden and buried beneath rock, water. Hidden from earth’s surface, hidden in the dark.

When we go through challenging times, there is treasure for us. God takes the darkness of pain in our lives to make something extraordinarily beautiful. In the dark places of brokenness, heartbreak, and loss God brings forth His light and the darkness flees. He brings His healing and His peace. And if we but look, we will see touches of His grace everywhere. All the darkness, all the pain, He will use for good and we will find joy.

Someone once said “The cavity which suffering carves into our souls will one day be the receptacle of joy.” What the enemy means for harm, God will use for good. Your testimony and story will become the breakthrough that someone else needs. And where once pain was, joy and blessing will be found.

“Even when their paths wind through the dark valley of tears, they dig deep to find a pleasant pool where others find only pain. He gives to them a brook of blessings filled from the rain of an outpouring.” (Psalm 84:6)

“The Lord will be your everlasting light, and your days of sorrow will end.” (Isaiah 60:20)

“You have turned my mourning into joyful dancing. You have taken away my clothes of mourning and clothed me with joy, that I might sing praises to you and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give you thanks forever!” (Psalm 30:11-12)