Where Your Treasure Is (there your heart shall be)

This is a reflective hymn about wealth and values. The words are based on Matthew 6:21 and Luke 12:16-21.

It was written by American Lutheran composer and pastoral musician, Marty Haugen (b 1950), and first published by in 2000 by (the predecessor to) GIA Publications.

When the song was released in The Feast of Life complication by Gary Daigle (1957-2026) and Marty Haugen, a spoken prelude was added.  This is not included when the song is being used as a hymn, but can be used in more reflective settings.

It is set to an unnamed tune, also by Haugen. This has a NN time signature. In the key of Ab, the first few notes of the melody are AG GF E_ ED B,D E_ with accompanying chords Ab / Db / Eb / Ab.

Downloads

This section may contain affiliate links: I earn from qualifying purchases on these. Free downloads are provided where possible (eg for public domain items).

Downloadable SATB choir arrangement

Guitar edition

Examples

Choir, unaccompanied, words on-screen

Small ensemble, with piano and flute, live in a church-service

Singer with guitar

Choir with piano and flute, professional recording

Choir with band

Duet with keyboard +

Lyrics

The lyrics are copyright so cannot be reproduced here. But they are currently available on this website (prelude) and  this website (other verses). A rough outline is:

(Spoken) Prelude
A rich man had a bumper crop; it filled his barns up to the top.
“My soul,” he said, “I have to stop. It’s more than I can carry.” [I know...]

I’ll build more barns – the very best. I’ll fill them up, then take my rest.
I’ll dress up in my finest vest to eat, drink, and be merry.”

But God said, “Oh, you foolish man, so lost in all your futile plans,
this night your soul returns to me, and where will all your riches be?”

Chorus:
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last; come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is, your heart shall be.

1. What do you gain from all your worry, What you should eat or what to wear? ...

2. Look at the ravens high above you.  They do not work their whole life through ...

3. Behold the lilies in their splendor.  In grace and beauty are they dressed ...

Bridge
Do not fear, little flock,
for God delights to give you the blessed reign of God.
Give your possessions to the needy;
gain a treasure that will not fade.

See more ...

• Hymns about values
• Hymns about treasure

Image adapted from Lilies in the Square - license CC BY 4.0 

KEEP IN CASE ORIGINAL IS REMOVED, BUT DO NOT DISPLAY (Spoken) Prelude
A rich man had a bumper crop; it filled his barns up to the top.
“My soul,” he said, “I have to stop. It’s more than I can carry.” [I know...]

I’ll build more barns – the very best. I’ll fill them up, then take my rest.
I’ll dress up in my finest vest to eat, drink, and be merry.”

But God said, “Oh, you foolish man, so lost in all your futile plans,
this night your soul returns to me, and where will all your riches be?”

Chorus:
Where your treasure is, there your heart shall be.
All that you possess will never set you free.
Seek the things that last; come and learn from me.
Where your treasure is, your heart shall be.

1. What do you gain from all your worry,
What you should eat or what to wear?
There is no peace in stress or hurry.
Do you not know that you are held within God's care?

2. Look at the ravens high above you.
They do not work their whole life through.
And yet God feeds them and protects them.
So how much more will God protect and care for you?

3. Behold the lilies in their splendor.
In grace and beauty are they dressed,
And yet so soon their bloom is faded.
So how much more will those who look to God be blessed?

Bridge
Do not fear, little flock,
for God delights to give you the blessed reign of God.
Give your possessions to the needy;
gain a treasure that will not fade.