Turning from Evil and Walking in God’s Goodness
Today’s Scripture:
"Turn from evil and do good. Seek peace and pursue it." — Psalm 34:14 (NIV)
There is a divine clarity and strength that comes when we choose to live a life that honors God. Psalm 34:14 is a powerful reminder that peace is not just a condition we stumble into. It is something we actively pursue. In a world where vengeance, selfish ambition, and pride dominate the culture, God calls His people to take a different route. We are called to turn from evil, do good, and chase after peace with intentionality.
The world often promotes retaliation and personal gain at any cost. People are quick to speak ill, harbor bitterness, and make decisions based on flesh rather than faith. But Romans 12:2 tells us, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” To live set apart, we must actively resist the urge to blend in with worldly thinking. That resistance begins in our minds and flows out in our actions.
Turning from evil is more than just avoiding obvious sins. It is choosing not to entertain gossip, slander, or envy. It is forgiving when we want to hold a grudge. It is being honest when lying would be easier. Proverbs 3:7 encourages us, “Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil.” When we walk in reverence toward God, turning from sin becomes a desire of the heart and not just an obligation of religion.
Doing good is our daily call. In Galatians 6:9, Paul encourages believers with these words: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Goodness is a fruit of the Spirit and a mark of the believer’s life. Each act of kindness, every word spoken in love, and every step taken in humility builds a legacy of peace.
Seeking peace requires diligence. It is not about avoiding conflict at all costs but rather walking in the peace of Christ, even when the world is in chaos. Philippians 4:9 gives this instruction: “Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.” When we put the Word into practice, peace becomes our portion.
Jesus modeled this beautifully. In every interaction, He remained steadfast in love, truth, and peace. When falsely accused, He remained silent. When confronted with violence, He responded with healing. When surrounded by unbelief, He remained focused on His Father’s will. To follow Him is to walk in that same peace and power.
The moment we shift our attention from the chaos of the world to the goodness of God, transformation begins. We stop chasing validation from man and start walking in the confidence that comes from being a child of the Most High. Isaiah 26:3 says, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Peace is the fruit of trust. When we fully trust God, peace becomes the atmosphere of our hearts, even in the storms of life.
Each decision to turn from evil and pursue good invites the joy and presence of the Lord. In Psalm 34:15, the verse immediately after today’s scripture, it says, “The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are attentive to their cry.” God is not distant from those who pursue Him. He is near, and He delights in their commitment to holiness and peace.
Three Practical Ways to Seek the Will of God Daily and Walk Out Psalm 34:14:
Begin each day with intentional surrender.
Before engaging with the world, take a moment to ask the Lord to help you turn from anything that dishonors Him. Ask for the grace to walk in goodness and truth. Surrender your heart, mind, and plans to His will.Speak peace into every situation.
Instead of reacting with frustration or anger, choose words that bring calm and clarity. Whether in family matters, work challenges, or personal struggles, speak life. Remember Proverbs 15:1, “A gentle answer turns away wrath.”Stay rooted in the Word of God.
The more time you spend in Scripture, the easier it is to discern what is good and what must be turned away from. Let the Word guide your thoughts and actions so that you may walk in peace and righteousness.
Final Encouragement:
Choosing to turn from evil and pursue peace is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Every day that you choose God’s way over the world’s way, you are sowing seeds of peace that will bear fruit in your life and the lives of those around you. Let His goodness be your guide and His peace be your portion.