Growing up in the Philippines, I heard many stories about treasure hunters trying to find gold bars hidden by Japanese soldiers during World II. Legend states that when Japan occupied the Philippines, General Yamashita and his forces buried tons of gold and other stolen treasures in underground caves and tunnels to retrieve it all after the war. But Japan eventually surrendered, and Yamashita was captured and executed, so the treasures were left behind, and no one knew their exact location. Treasure hunters are claiming they have uncovered masses of gold in different places.

Burying treasures on the ground was not uncommon in Palestine during the time of Jesus. Our notion of security is different from theirs. They did not have vaults or banks, so they put their treasures in jars and hid them in the field so robbers could not find them. However, because of unrest and frequent mobility, some died along the way, and others lost sight of where they buried their treasures.

Jesus uses the story of treasure hunting in parables. He referred to the treasure in the field, the valued prize, as the Kingdom of Heaven. The Kingdom of Heaven does not only refer to the end times. It may also mean God’s presence in our life, where genuine happiness exists.  Happiness is the treasure, and we all search for it.

Obtaining the most essential things in life is not a process over which we have control. It happens in God’s time and will. Does this mean that we should just sit down and wait for our treasure to come?

We should look for our happiness, which is part of life’s journey and excitement. To look for genuine happiness that lasts is to enter the realms of God.  It entails doing something with a sense of sacrifice, patience, and faith. However, it is that kind of happiness that is sustaining and lasting.  There are also forms of “false happiness”, and they may be easy to find as they do not entail specific commitment. We must avoid falling into the trap as it may only lead to emptiness and despair. False happiness disappears like bubbles. As the saying goes, “ Easy come, easy go.”  

Sometimes we struggle to find our happiness and feel like giving up because searching for it is hard.  You might have been looking for special someone for years.  You might be longing for healing from a physical ailment and strained relationship. You might be searching for a better job to meet your needs.  Sometimes, you feel that your time and energy run out.

Jesus tells us not to give up. Keep searching for that treasure; keep searching for God!

We should live with confidence in God’s care and love for us. The good news is whether we are looking for God, God is looking for us because you and I are God’s treasures. God is always victorious in finding us and finding the best for us. When we see God, like the merchant, we will sell all we possess to have it.

The peace and joy of being with God is our greatest happiness and treasure. Being in a state of grace is the most valued prize in life. When we find God, like the merchant, we will even be willing to sell what we possess to have it.