A Response to Suffering

This week's Psalm 34 post will focus on 1st Peter 3:10 - 12.

Yes, you read that right.  Peter quotes Psalm 34:12-16 to support his teaching in verses 8 and 9.

Peter tells everyone to have "unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart,  and a humble mind."  While not repaying evil for evil or reviling for reviling.  "On the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing."  Psalm 34:12-16 is the reason he gives for doing this.  Psalm 34:12-16 reads...

What man is there who desires life

and loves many days, that he may see good? 

Keep your tongue from evil 

and your lips from speaking deceit. 

Turn away from evil and do good; 

seek peace and pursue it.

The eyes of the LORD are toward the righteous

and his ears toward their cry.

The face of the LORD is against those who do evil,

to cut off the memory of them from the earth.

The question in verse 12 shows the reader that everyone desires the good life.
However, the truly good life comes from living life that is dependent on God and seeks to glorify Him.
This is evident in the way you speak and what you pursue.

God cares for his children and His wrath is upon those who are against Him.  

These truths are what helps the believer suffer for the sake of righteousness, a common theme throughout 1 Peter.  

As you meditate and memorize Psalm 34, you may want to read Peter's first letter which was written to the "elect exiles of the dispersion" (1:1).  In your reading of this New Testament book, see if you can find another reference to a part of Psalm 34.  

Fighter Verses Devotional Set 5: Week 30