Loving Life
30 Days in 1st Peter - day 19
When reading this passage in 1 Peter, it is important to remember the context. This letter is written to Christians undergoing trouble that Peter describes as fiery trials. They are living in the world as exiles and strangers. They are being treated as Christ was treated—with scorn, contempt, and in some cases even physical persecution. Slanderous accusations are being hurled their way. Their faith is misunderstood and spoken against.
Yet Peter draws from the book of Psalms and quotes from Psalm 34, saying:
“Whoever desires to love life and see good days…”
Peter is not inventing a new idea here. In Psalm 34, David wrote those words after being delivered from danger, reminding God’s people that the path to a good life is not revenge or bitterness, but turning away from evil and pursuing peace.
What is striking about this is Peter’s expectation that they would not respond to their situation by becoming sour, bitter, and unhappy. Instead, he sets before them a vision of loving life.
It is a mistake to think that happiness belongs only to the healthy and wealthy. Your enjoyment of life is not determined by what other people do to you.
Difficulties certainly make life more challenging, but they also reveal that our joy does not have to depend on favorable circumstances.
Peter gives us some of the keys to loving life even when life is hard—and they are all relational. Unity, compassion, love, kindness, and courtesy toward others are the kinds of attitudes that lead to a happy life. Keeping our anger in check helps as well. Instead of speaking evil, we are to bless. Instead of stirring up trouble, we are to pursue peace.
God is watching how we respond to trials. His favor rests on those who respond in a Christlike way, and He hears their prayers.
We can enjoy the life God has given us here. Our trials are not the real cause of our unhappiness. Good days are not dependent on good circumstances.
If you want to love life, begin by confessing where bitterness and anger have taken the place of love and peace.
Read through this passage again and ask the Lord for grace to become the kind of person Peter describes.
Then you may find yourself loving life and seeing good days.
