Depart, Do, Seek & Pursue

"Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.  The eyes of the LORD are upon the righteous, and his ears are open unto their cry."  - Psalm 34:14-15, KJV

When a person departs, they leave one place for another.  They set out in a new direction.  this verse tells me that I need to depart from evil.  If it does not follow the Word of God and does not promote a holy, pure lifestyle, then I need to do a about face and walk away from it.

This verse also tells me that I need to do good.  That means that I need to fashion my life after things that are good.  Philippians 4:8 says, "Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."  I need to strive to produce good fruit in my life in everything that I do.

I also need to seek peace.  This means I should desire peace, completeness, contentment and soundness in my life.  But the verse doesn't stop there.  It goes on to say that I need to pursue it.  I need to stay on track and follow after peace.  Hebrews 12:14 tells me, "Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord."   I need to follow after peace and grasp a hold of it.  Without peace in my life, I may not make it to see Him in Glory.

Another reassuring things is that the eyes of the Lord are upon the righteous.  His eyes are on those who are upright and virtuous in conduct and behavior.  And, conduct involves how I conduct myself in speech, actions, decision-making and attire.   Everything that I do must be upright and virtuous.

And, to top it off, when I cry out to Him...He hears.  Isaiah 65:24 says, "And it shall come to pass, that before they call , I will answer ; and while they are yet speaking , I will hear."  When I cry out to Him, it catches His attention.  And, He will listen and act according to HIS will for my life.  

When I read verses like this, it makes me SO thankful that I serve such a great God!  Why anyone would walk away from this truth and seek the things of the world is beyond me.  He has been SO good to me.  I feel so safe and secure knowing that whatever I face, He's got my back.  He is always there and He always has the answer I NEED.  It may not be the answer that I want or think that I need...it is the answer that I truly need to move forward in the plan He has for my life. ♥