By Jamie Tisler

My husband and I went on vacation to Gatlinburg, home to the Great Smoky Mountains. One morning we went with some friends to Greenbrier Valley in the mountains. As we walked, we searched for hidden treasures in the landscape. I discovered a mushroom and took this picture. The discovery reminds me of Proverbs 2:1-6, regarding how to search the Word of God for the purpose of knowing Him.

King Solomon opens this passage with these words,

1 My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you.

My friends knew where to go for beautiful scenery as well as offered an opportunity to discover treasures in the landscape. Likewise, Solomon knew where to go and search for knowledge of God. The words and commandments he discovered in the Word he embraced by faith and claimed for himself.

King Solomon gave instruction to his son on how to search for God in His Word.

2 making your ear attentive to wisdom
and inclining your heart to understanding;

3 yes, if you call out for insight
and raise your voice for understanding,

4 if you seek it like silver
and search for it as for hidden treasures,

These details require an intense-concentrated study not just a casual read. The picture of the mushroom at Greenbrier was taken after I looked intensely at the landscape and discovered the mushroom which was blended in with the other vegetation surrounding it. The mushroom was “Hidden in Plain Slight.” Believers often desire to know more about God. However, instead of grabbing a copy of the Word and reading it, they rely on other sources like books and what they hear when they attend church. While these are good things, they should not take the place of personal Bible study. If believers would study the Bible, they would find God “Hidden in Plain Sight.” For Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach and guide them in the truth (John 14:26; 16:13).

From cover to cover, every word reveals something about God. And, King Solomon states the treasures of searching and discovering these revelations.

5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.

6 For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding;

I will treasure my mushroom picture because it serves as a reminder of Solomon’s charge to his son. Solomon knew his purpose in searching and he found it — a treasure indeed of the greatest value, God.