Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. – Psalm 34:14
Several years ago, the internet buzzed with findings from a study purportedly done by Duke University on the characteristics of true “peace of mind.” Those reports were later discredited as lacking professionalism, with some suggesting it “could have been a homework assignment” rather than a true study. Social media had evidently fallen victim to “fake news.”
The whole world yearns for peace. It is among an individual’s highest needs. You desire peace within yourself, peace in your relationships, peace in your communities, and, indeed, peace in the world. To find peace, the Apostle Peter, quoting from today’s verse in the Psalms, says you must seek it and pursue it (1 Peter 3:11). Both the psalmist and the apostle state that to obtain such peace requires that you first turn away from evil and do good. In what is fast becoming a post-Christian America, this command is highly practical. In the Greek, turning away is illustrated as a soldier running away or deserting – dislocating himself from something. In this case, it is avoiding any form of evil (1 Thessalonians 5:22).
Pastor and teacher J. Vernon McGee said, “A child of God is not to sit back and act piously. Let’s live it up, my friend, but let’s not live it up by indulging in gossip and evil. Let’s live it up by turning away from evil and pursuing that which ministers to peace. Let’s live for God today. How important this is!”
Peace comes from Jesus (Ephesians 2:14). Peace is His eternal gift to you (John 14:27). Again, referencing the Greek, pursuing peace is a bold action. Direct your energy toward it, being passionate and fervent in nurturing your close relationship with Jesus. Then live in peace with others (Romans 12:18). Ignore the world’s approaches to “peace of mind,” for they do not know the truth that achieves it. But you do! Focus on Jesus. Focus on living righteously and be devoted to aligning your thoughts and behavior with the Lord. And pray for the return of the Prince of Peace.
Today’s Verse: Psalm 34:14
Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
