Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 34:14
Turn From Evil and Do Good – Psalm 34:14
Turn from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.
Reflection
It sounds so simple, “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” But if it were actually that simple, to “turn from evil (any activity contrary to the Word of God) and do good,” our world would be a much different place. The truth is, turning away from old habits, the desires of the flesh is difficult and takes a lot of discipline. It also requires God’s grace (achieved through prayer and obedience). If that were not true, if it were easy, everyone would do it. Ever notice, for example, how much easier it is to carry on with gossip than to walk out of the room? How tempting it is to stay out late with friends rather than leave early in order to attend Sunday morning Mass; or how much easier it is to stay up watching late-night television programming than to read the Bible? Similarly, it is much more thrilling to chase the flashy (and fleeting) things of this world (i.e. money, power, the party) than the quiet and humble things of God (prayer, Church service, charity). The old “enjoy now and pay later” adage is incredibly powerful.
But this is what we should (always) keep in mind: Controlling our natural impulses and/or turning away from those things that do not edify God is always for our benefit in the end. When we abandon our will for God’s will, He promises to shower us with blessing, answered prayer and supernatural breakthrough. In addition, we are given a supernatural peace and joy along with the desires of our heart — which leads to lasting and eternal glory. What’s more? Obeying the Word of God, “turning from evil,” leads to freedom — spiritually, emotionally and physically.
If you are wanting more peace — more of everything amazing — in your life today, prayerfully obey the divine Words of the psalmist. “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” The prayer(s) of a humble and faithful person never go unanswered. He will bless your obedience!
5 Verses about Obedience
- “Do not merely listen to the Word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says” — James 1:22
- Jesus answered and said to him, “Whoever loves Me will keep My Word, and My Father will love him, and we will come to him and make our dwelling with him” — Jn. 14:23.
- “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever” — 1 Jn. 2:17.
- “Therefore everyone who hears these Words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the Rock” — Matt. 7:24.
- “Whoever follows instruction [the Word of God] is in the path to life, but whoever disregards reproof goes astray” — Prov. 10:17.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, at times we are tempted to engage in things that distract and separate us from You. But in our hearts we desire You above all else. We believe Your Word and want to live according to Your Holy will rather than our own temporal desires. Forgive us, Father, when we fall short of Your Commands. Please give us the grace to turn from evil, pursue Your peace, and to obey all that You desire of us. It is in Your good and Holy Name we pray, Amen.
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