For many people there is
something about sitting down with a cup of coffee and a good book. I think it
is more than the caffeine keeping them awake to read an otherwise boring book,
though many college students may agree with the later. Rather, as they enjoy
the story of the book they can also enjoy the aroma, the flavor, and the warmth
of the coffee. All of these combine in their senses and in their hearts for a
thoroughly enjoyable and relaxing experience. It is a time to be still and
enjoy the rest.
Psalm 34:8 says, “Taste and see
that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”
As we take time to get away and get quiet with God, to sit
with His Word and to reflect on not only the truths of His Word but also His
faithfulness and His goodness and His mercifulness and graciousness in our
lives—on His love for us—we in a similar way (even without the coffee) can fill
our senses with joy as our hearts are reassured of His hands surrounding us and
our minds are put to rest from our various struggles. Though I enjoy the coffee because I physically
get to enjoy the flavor and the warmth, it is not the coffee that makes the
time profitable, but rather it is God. He has given us His Spirit to indwell us
and to be our Helper and our Counselor, even taking our very burdens to our
Heavenly Father through the access granted us by our greatest Advocate—Jesus Christ.
When we spend time with God we have the privilege of spending time with a God
who is One yet manifest in three persons—all equally God—Who loves us deeply
and Who walks with us closely. As we spend time with God in His Word we have
the privilege of seeing His story and the history of His people unite with ours
and it becomes more than just a book written by someone else that we are just
an observer looking in (whether that be fact or fiction). When we spend time with
Him we spend time with a timeless God in whom all fullness dwells giving us His
full attention.
Psalm 16:7-11 I
will bless the Lord who has
counseled me; indeed, my mind instructs me in the night. I have set the Lord continually before me; because He is at my right hand,
I will not be shaken. Therefore my heart is glad and my glory rejoices;
my flesh also will dwell securely. For You will not abandon my soul to Sheol; nor
will You allow Your Holy One to undergo decay. You will make known to me the path of
life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; in Your right hand there are
pleasures forever.
Psalms 34 ends with the words of verse 22, “The Lord
redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who take refuge in Him will
be condemned.”
Oops. I forgot to
drink my coffee.
Today in “Jesus Calling” by Sarah
Young (6/28)
Taste and see that I am good.
This command contains an invitation to experience My living Presence. It also
contains a promise. The more you experience Me, the more convinced you become of
My goodness. This knowledge is essential to your to your faith-walk. When
adversities strike, the human instinct is to doubt My goodness. My ways are
mysterious, even to those who know Me intimately. As the heavens are higher
than the earth, so are My ways and thoughts higher than your ways and thoughts.
Do not try to fathom My ways. Instead, spend time enjoying Me and experiencing
My goodness.
Taste and see that the Lord is
good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8
“For my thoughts are not your
thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens
are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts
than your thoughts.” Isaiah 55:8-9
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