June 20: Treasure in a Field
Letting go of old defects can feel like a loss. What if it’s actually a trade?
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.”
Jesus tells a very short parable. A man finds treasure hidden in a field. He hides it again, and then, in his joy, he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.
The key word is joy. He isn’t grimly giving things up. He isn’t mourning his possessions. He’s thrilled. Because he’s seen something worth far more than anything he owns.
Step Six can feel like a long list of losses. Give up your anger. Give up self-pity. Give up dishonesty. Give up control. It can sound like you’ll end up with nothing.
This parable flips that around. What if those old defects are like junk compared to what God is offering? What if letting go of them is like trading old furniture for a field full of treasure?
What’s the treasure? Peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. Freedom from the constant work of hiding and controlling. Relationships that are honest and close. A clear conscience. A life with God at the center. Sleep at night.
Many people in recovery say that what they’ve gained is worth far more than what they gave up. Including the drinking itself. The thing they thought they couldn’t live without turned out to be standing between them and the life they actually wanted.
That doesn’t mean letting go is easy. The man in the parable had to sell everything. That takes action. But joy made it possible.
If Step Six feels heavy today, ask God to show you the treasure. What is He offering in place of the defects? What does the life on the other side look like?
You may not feel the joy yet. That’s all right. Sometimes you let go first and the joy catches up later. The man in the story saw the treasure before he sold anything. Ask God to let you see it too.
One thing today
Make two short lists. On the left, what you’re being asked to let go of. On the right, what God is offering instead. Look at the right column longer.
A prayer
Jesus, help me see the treasure. I’ve been focused on what I’m losing. Show me what You’re giving. Give me the joy that makes letting go possible. Amen.
On the joy of willingness: Step Six.
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