Has life thrown you for a loop? Has the pain gotten to be too much? Are you overwhelmed by the emotions? Are you tired of it all? Do you feel stuck? Are you in a bind? Do you need a way out?  Are you carrying a heavy weight? We live in a culture that is more and more disconnected from heart issues and reality. Distraction and drifting along in life is the norm. Numbing and checking out through any type of vice or device is par for the course. So many people are stunted in their personal and spiritual growth. They are acting and reacting in a swirl of immaturity. I have great compassion for those who are lost and in need of some help out of despair but can I tell you that other people can not make it ok for you. There is One who can save you. It is Jesus and He sets your feet on a journey and just like any path. You have to walk it. All along the path, He has set forth places for you to sit awhile, to ponder, to see what’s there, and to dig for the treasure. It’s time to become a spiritual archeologist to discover and uncover the way up and out of our crazy cycles.

Archeology holds all the keys to understanding

who we are and where we come from. 

-Sarah Parcak

Archeologists love the thrill of the hunt and the dig. They travel the world for the next great treasure. They find grand excitement in putting together puzzles that have no box and will never be complete. Yet, there is something beautiful and mysterious about looking at what was and how it affected that time and space, speculating and seeing its effects on the future that now is. Archeology is certainly no piece of cake, it is hard work and it takes painstakingly long hours. There is tons of dirt and debris to move and you must keep a keen eye so that you do not miss any important pieces to the puzzle that you find.

One of my personal values is discovery. If you would like to read how I found my personal values click here. Sometimes an example can help to spur on thought and you will sit down and find your own.

DISCOVERY

This one value covers a whole list of things for me, everything from being willing to try new things to digging deep into my soul and spending time there sorting out my issues and struggles. Paul tells us in Philippians 2 …to work out our own salvation. You have something to do with this. We know that we can’t save ourselves, it is only by grace that we are saved. But once we have been saved, now we have work to do. “What work?” you may be thinking. The work to become more and more like Jesus, the One who has saved you. To work the soil of your own heart. To dig the dirt and clear it of debris. Letting Him point out the rocks and junk. He wants to put down a working grid for our heart. There are things for us to find there that He has put in us. We have to take the time to sit on the work site and become proficient archeologist combing through each grid.

Just like for the archeologist discovery is monumentous to me. It is a space that I have learned to love, enjoy and be thankful for. When discovery happens I come alive to the beauty of what has been found within it. It leads to the ah-ha moments in life. It unveils the revelation that Jesus has hidden for me so that I can learn and grow. It is literally where a fire is found that lights my heart and mind. It is in this place that I can see what makes me tick or has ticked me off. I wake up to what is!  You won’t get there unless you walk the way of discovery.

Matt. 7:7-8  Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened.

Many want the joy of discovery when it comes to the feel good and the joy but discovery isn’t a road easily traveled since it is also a place for mining the dark of the soul. Many find its path treacherous and far too long for their level of patience. But here’s the thing, we all need discovery.

Discovery means the process of uncovering. It is the tool to find what is hiding underneath.  When we sweep our “life matters” and emotions under the rug or regulate them to some back closet out of sight and out of mind. When we ignore the issues and make excuses, all the while with pointing fingers to place blame. We are not doing ourselves any favors. No one can swoop in and save the day. No one can make it all go away. Jesus doesn’t even want to just make it better. He wants to transform our lives through the treasure hunt. It’s time to start digging.

Jesus doesn’t even want to just make it better. He wants to transform our lives through the treasure hunt. – Tweet This!

When life throws me for a loop physically, emotionally, mentally, or otherwise I rely on this value I have for discovery as a tool that Jesus has given me to dig my way out of the pit and reveal the steps up and out and onward. Fearless, Faithful, Forward is my motto!

Proverbs 2:3-5 yes, if you call out for insight
    and raise your voice for understanding,
 if you seek it like silver
    and search for it as for hidden treasures,
then you will understand the fear of the Lord
    and find the knowledge of God.

Why do we need discovery?

1. It brings insight and understanding: When the archeologist gets to their destination they look at the lay of the land and what is around them. Too often in this fast-paced world when life gets tough we think the “tough needs to get going!” We try harder, work harder, move faster and its a distraction. Discovery allows us to stop and look around at what is happening and ask for insight and understanding. I pray and ask Jesus for help but I also ask a trusted friend “what do you see?” As I begin to discover what is really going on, because honestly sometimes I am just blind to myself, I start to understand why I am so stressed out, emotional, and frustrated. Taking some time to stop, look around and see where you are is hard and uncomfortable but if you do it, it’s totally worth it.
2. It reveals treasure: When the archeologist starts digging they will find the goods. Everyone wants to find the treasure at the bottom of a cave, in the dungeon of a castle, or at the bottom of the sea. In the process of discovery, if we seek and search for the treasure. We will find that treasure. This treasure is the truth. When we find it. It will reveal something to us. Listen, sometimes the truth hurts and I know that’s why we bow out at this point in the process if we make it this far. We may not like what we find. A broken heart. Pain. Regret. Unforgiveness. Hate. Cold heart. Hardened old vows we made ourselves years ago.  However, if we are willing to look at it for what it is and let Jesus show us the beauty of His presence to be right there in the middle of the unwrapping. That He doesn’t run from the mess. He digs in with us. We will see that when the truth is revealed that this treasure always brings along with it something to be gained. If we let it teach us we will elevate to a new level of spirituality and maturity.
3. It brings great gain: When the archeologist reveals his find, it ends up in a museum or written about in some fancy book for others to admire. If you make it through to this stage of discovery. You will have reached a launching pad. You will have gone higher. If we are willing to walk this road of discovery through the slow process of excavation of the heart and mind, it will reveal understanding and knowledge for others to look to on their own path of discovery. Your life becomes a lesson for others to use as a step ladder. You become a walking talking billboard testimony. The Lord will give you the opportunity to let your pain and trouble, your life and lessons to become a help for others on the road of discovery. We find in this our life purpose and mission. We not only find who we are and where we have come from but where we are going and to Whom we belong.

Paul in the book of Romans 8:18 said: “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us.” It’s so hard when we are hurt and being swallowed by emotion but I want to encourage you – don’t give up! The more willing you are to walk the uncomfortable road of discovery the more worn the path gets. The path you have walked and sights you have seen of Jesus leading you on are faith markers for your continued travels. We have all felt trapped in our emotions and situations before. We can not overcome them if we do not discover what is really going on and bring those things into the light. You have options. You are not stuck! Start the process today. Get digging!

Here are some helpful questions to get you started:

1. Where do I sense Jesus pointing me to sit down and excavate?
2. What are my feelings and thoughts about this area of my heart and mind?
3. Who can I talk to that I trust?

Now STOP, LOOK, and SEE! He is in the waiting. He is in the process. You are never alone.

Thanks for listening,

Starla