Pursuing Peace and Shunning Evil
1/15/2024
"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
- Psalm 34:14 ESV
Face it, we live I n a world filled with chaos, conflict, and negativity, the pursuit of peace may often feel like an uphill battle. Our lives are bombarded with news of violence, hatred, and division, which can easily consume our thoughts and erode our inner peace. However, the Word of God reminds us of the importance of turning away from evil, doing good, and seeking peace.
Psalm 34:14 provides us with a clear roadmap for navigating these turbulent times. It encourages us to take an active role in shaping our attitudes, actions, and relationships. The verse begins by urging us to "turn away from evil." This call is not a passive suggestion but an active decision to distance ourselves from anything that contradicts God's righteous standards. It may involve making tough choices, leaving behind unhealthy habits, or severing ties with toxic relationships.
Yet, the verse does not stop at avoiding evil; it also calls us to "do good." This means actively choosing righteousness, kindness, and compassion in our thoughts, words, and deeds. We are called to be a reflection of God's love and goodness in a world desperately in need of it. It is through our actions that we can bring about positive change and counteract the darkness that surrounds us.
Moreover, the psalmist urges us to "seek peace and pursue it." Peace is not something that passively happens to us; it requires intentional effort on our part. Seeking peace means actively fostering harmony, unity, and reconciliation in our relationships. It involves striving to understand others, practicing forgiveness, and extending grace. Pursuing peace may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, initiating difficult conversations, or humbling ourselves to make amends.
Our pursuit of peace should also extend beyond our immediate circles. We are called to be peacemakers in a world filled with conflict. We can advocate for justice, speak up against oppression, and promote reconciliation wherever we go. By being agents of peace, we become vessels through which God's love and healing can flow into the lives of others.
Let’s examine our lives today as we reflect on Psalm 34:14. Are there areas where we need to turn away from evil and embrace goodness? Are there relationships that need reconciliation and restoration? Are we actively seeking peace, both in our personal lives and in the world around us?
As we continue on this journey of pursuing peace in our lives, let us remember that it is only through God's strength and guidance that we can succeed. May we seek His wisdom, rely on His grace, and allow His Holy Spirit to work within us, transforming us into peacemakers who bring His light into a dark world.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
"Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it."
- Psalm 34:14 ESV
Face it, we live I n a world filled with chaos, conflict, and negativity, the pursuit of peace may often feel like an uphill battle. Our lives are bombarded with news of violence, hatred, and division, which can easily consume our thoughts and erode our inner peace. However, the Word of God reminds us of the importance of turning away from evil, doing good, and seeking peace.
Psalm 34:14 provides us with a clear roadmap for navigating these turbulent times. It encourages us to take an active role in shaping our attitudes, actions, and relationships. The verse begins by urging us to "turn away from evil." This call is not a passive suggestion but an active decision to distance ourselves from anything that contradicts God's righteous standards. It may involve making tough choices, leaving behind unhealthy habits, or severing ties with toxic relationships.
Yet, the verse does not stop at avoiding evil; it also calls us to "do good." This means actively choosing righteousness, kindness, and compassion in our thoughts, words, and deeds. We are called to be a reflection of God's love and goodness in a world desperately in need of it. It is through our actions that we can bring about positive change and counteract the darkness that surrounds us.
Moreover, the psalmist urges us to "seek peace and pursue it." Peace is not something that passively happens to us; it requires intentional effort on our part. Seeking peace means actively fostering harmony, unity, and reconciliation in our relationships. It involves striving to understand others, practicing forgiveness, and extending grace. Pursuing peace may involve stepping out of our comfort zones, initiating difficult conversations, or humbling ourselves to make amends.
Our pursuit of peace should also extend beyond our immediate circles. We are called to be peacemakers in a world filled with conflict. We can advocate for justice, speak up against oppression, and promote reconciliation wherever we go. By being agents of peace, we become vessels through which God's love and healing can flow into the lives of others.
Let’s examine our lives today as we reflect on Psalm 34:14. Are there areas where we need to turn away from evil and embrace goodness? Are there relationships that need reconciliation and restoration? Are we actively seeking peace, both in our personal lives and in the world around us?
As we continue on this journey of pursuing peace in our lives, let us remember that it is only through God's strength and guidance that we can succeed. May we seek His wisdom, rely on His grace, and allow His Holy Spirit to work within us, transforming us into peacemakers who bring His light into a dark world.
Pastor Jeff
#LoveGod #LovePeople #FindFreedom #FindYourDesign
Recent
Archive
2024
January
In The Beginning: A Great Place to Start.Do you see what I see?Hide and SeekSurrendering to God's GuidanceThe Benefits of Renewing Our MindA Light that Never CeasesAre You In Church?God Makes All Things NewThe Value of Each OtherRenewed Day by DayDelight in the Presence of the LordNever AloneGod: Our Refuge and StrengthPursuing Peace and Shunning EvilRejoicing in God's PromisesSeeking and FindingThe Faithfulness of God: Our Source of EncouragementA Heart of AbundanceSowing Righteousness, Reaping God's LoveThe Power of God at WorkPray. Pause. Patience.It’s Time to Go to WorkOur Father in HeavenThe Power of Prayer and Confidence in GodFinding Peace Through PrayerMay You Have Ears That HearThe Holy Spirit: Our Source of Strength and HopeThe Persistent Pursuit of FaithThe Story of GraceWe Know Not The HourGreed Be Gone
February
United in ChristThe Seeking ShepherdDo You Hear Me?Turn It OnMy Help Comes From The LordThe Patient Love of GodHe Never Forgets The GoodThe Overwhelming Mercy of GodUnity in the Body of ChristForgiveness - A Reflection of God's LoveHoliness through PeaceDevotion and HonorLove Your EnemiesThe Great Exchange of GraceWalking in LoveWe Must Die to LiveThe Most Famous VerseThe Ultimate SacrificeThe Lamb of GodReflecting God's HeartHome SickChosen and CalledEmbracing Our Identity as Children of GodEmbracing Our Identity in ChristHe Is All We NeedTrusting GodBuilding Yourself Up in FaithBeing A Radiant Witnesses in God's KingdomYou Cannot Be Healed of The Things That You Hide
March
Embracing Divine ForgivenessThe Power of ForgivenessFinding Peace Through FaithGlorifying God's NameKeeping Our Focus on JesusEvery Good Gift Comes from AboveWorshiping the CreatorFinding Strength in God's PromisesThe Nearness of GodCreated for Good WorksGo and Preach the GospelThe Power of the GospelThe Way, the Truth, and the LifeThe Secret of True GenerosityGuided By The LightFollowing the Servant KingHe Was Fully ManFully ForgivenPraise and Worship AlwaysHoly is His NameLiving as a WitnessesCome. See. Go. Tell. Listen. Understand.For Such A Time As ThisThe Arrival of the Servant KingThey Will Always BeThe Power of PrayerThe Weight of BetrayalServing Others with HumilityEnter with ConfidenceRaised to New LifeHe Is Not Here
No Comments