Follow the Sun

They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.

1 Peter 3:11

What does having peace mean to you? For me to have peace means getting angry a little less, to not worry, and basically just enjoy life, but let’s be real here is that something that is actually common for most of us? Many times as we face hardships the first thing we feel isn’t peace. It’s worry, fear, or doubt. The hard realities of life’s circumstances aren’t really anything to feel peaceful about. Apostle Paul says “turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” I think sometimes we can underestimate the consequences of our actions. Looking back there are many things I’ve done where I know if I just would’ve said no, stayed home, or focused on something good I could have avoided a lot of pain. Not being super religious here, but I believe “turning from evil” means maybe you’re gossiping about a friend or coworker, and you should stop, you’ve been partying a little too hard lately, or maybe you need to reevaluate how you’re being toxic in relationship? Whatever “evil” or wrong that is in your life is always something that we need to look into and change, do good, do better, do our best. Changing a negative habit isn’t easy, but it is worth it in the long run even if it’s a baby step. I believe that as you change those bad habits and “do good,” peace will follow. That’s why Peter says then, “they must seek peace and pursue it.” So you’re not just receiving the peace that Jesus gave us when he died on the cross for us, but you’re also seeking it and pursuing it. For me, seeking means that I must be looking for things to be peaceful about. To me that can change on a daily basis, but for the most part it means finding reasons to be grateful and seeing the good in life, and when things are tough looking towards God and trusting Him. Remembering that He is good and He has a reason for all that I’m experiencing that doesn’t feel so peaceful at the time. What does it mean to pursue something? Well according to dictionary.com to pursue means ” follow (someone or something) in order to catch or attack them.” I don’t know about attacking peace, I’m sure you could… but I think it means we must go after peace aggressively, finding reasons and doing things that would bring us a peaceful life. Maybe thinking about the consequences of our actions before we speak, or finding healthier habits to cope with hardships, or being grateful for the very little things (that ultimately end up being the bigs things anyways.) Pursing peace is an action. It’s something that we must do to live the life that God wanted us to live. So I encourage you, if you’re having a hard time today seek that peace, look for it, pursue. Let’s turn from the things that bring destruction into our lives and do good so that we can live a peaceful life. Follow that Sun that represents God’s goodness which is always ready for you to take.

Praying for you lots of peace, strength, and hope.

Have a blessed week ahead.