“Come, children of God, and listen to me. I’ll share the lesson I’ve learned of fearing the Lord. Do you want to live a long, good life, enjoying the beauty that fills each day? Then never speak a lie or allow wicked words to come from your mouth. Keep turning your back on every sin, and make ‘peace’ your life motto. Practice being at peace with everyone. The Lord sees all we do; he watches over his friends day and night. His godly ones receive the answers they seek whenever they cry out to him. The Lord is close to all whose hearts are crushed by pain, and he is always ready to restore the repentant one. Even when bad things happen to the good and godly ones, the Lord will save them and not let them be defeated by what they face.” Psalm 34:11-15,18-19 TPT
What do we know about fearing the Lord? We are not talking about fear, as being afraid of something or someone. We are talking about respect. As children of God, enjoying all that He has for us each day, we are to respect His laws, and be aware of everything we do, turning our backs on sin, and being mindful as we speak, with every word. So often we tend to forget that in all we say and do, not only is our Father aware, but those around us ready to form an opinion.
In this passage, King David is sharing his life’s lessons concerning his relationship with God in order that it might be a guide for us. We are to stay away from sin and speak the truth. In all our relationships with others, we are to seek peace. In this life, when hardships, pain, or our hearts are crushed with sorrow, his desire is for us to be restored. It is noted that so many times bad things happen to good people, so to speak, but our Father’s desire is to bless us with His peace, and He assures us, it can be ours for the asking!
Heavenly Father, help us to remember that no matter what life brings, you are aware, and that peace can continue to rule, and be ever so thankful.
In Christ Love
Margaret