Taste And See

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