Psalm 34:14 Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
This psalm was written by David after he had escaped capture by the Philistine King Achish. In this story, David pretended to be insane to save his own life (1 Samuel 21:10-15). Rather than gloating over his victory in escape, he instead used the experience to instruct others in living a life of righteousness.
He gave them simple instructions – turn away from evil and instead choose to do good, seek peace, and pursue it. This course of actions demanded that they choose to live an active lifestyle of righteousness and moral discipline, deliberately being a peacemaker. It is not enough for us to only avoid negative behaviors and bad habits. These negatives must be replaced by positive, righteous actions. In doing so, one could experience a blessed, more meaningful life.
It is important to remember that true peace, the feeling of all encompassing completeness and shalom, does not happen naturally or without effort. It must be relentlessly and eagerly chased after and it requires one to fight for it. The Hebrew word for pursue indicates that the individual is hunting or running after something with great energy and intent.
Taking this and intentionally making it a reality in our daily life today can be done in the following ways.
Choose to turn from your bad habits or negative behaviors. Replace them with positive, constructive, God-pleasing spiritual actions instead.
Avoid conflict with others and choose not to harbor grudges or negative feelings towards others. Take the initiative to bring about restoration in relationships and establish clear communication in uncomfortable issues. We strive to bring about unity in the Body of Christ.
When you see opportunities to mediate for others, step up and do it. Extend grace to those who need it and choose to deliberately serve others. Distance yourself from toxic environments and help others to escape them as well.
And remember, living a peaceful, blessed life in Christ requires that we intentionally make the effort to live righteously. Choose to control your actions, thoughts, and responses to others (1 Peter 3:10-11).
What is one behavior you can replace today? What positive, Godly behavior can you replace it with?
Prayer: Lord, Help me to identify things that need to change in my life and guide me as I seek positive replacement behaviors that bring about a deeper sense of peace and righteousness. Amen
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