“Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Psalms 34:14 (NIV)
Imagine you have an errand list: you plan to go to the post office, the grocery store, and fill up the car. That's the order of the list. But as you approach a corner, you decide to turn and head to the grocery store first instead of going to the post office as originally planned. At the grocery store, you unexpectedly bump into a friend you haven’t seen in a long time—someone with whom things had been left unresolved—simply because of your earlier decision to make a turn. Because of that turn, you go with the joy of a reawakened friendship.
Amazing transformation occurs when we turn from sin, acknowledge our need for God, and repent of our transgressions. I talked with a friend yesterday, and we discussed the remarkable changes in his life when he renewed his relationship with God. His despair has been removed, his fractured relationship with his family has been mended, and he is reunited with them and working to help others—just because of a turn he made.
Today’s verse is separated by a semicolon, signifying the two parts are related; turning from evil and seeking peace are interconnected. The first emphasizes the importance of turning away from sin–repentance–and embracing a life of goodness–transformation. The second highlights that peace does not happen passively; it requires active effort and pursuit. Seeking peace means intentionally fostering harmony in our lives and relationships.
Turning from sin is a choice we make daily, and it's not always easy. But when we commit to living a life of righteousness, the blessings that follow are beyond our expectations. Just as my friend's life was transformed through his renewed relationship with God, we, too, can experience peace and reconciliation when we choose to do good and actively seek harmony in our lives.
Heavenly Father of all Grace, we come before You with humble hearts, earnestly repenting our misdeeds and seeking Your guidance and strength. Help us to turn away from our sins and embrace the path of righteousness. Fill us with Your peace and help us to pursue harmony in our lives and relationships. May Your love and grace transform us, and may we reflect Your goodness to others. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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