Psalm 33-36

June 15

Psalm 33-36

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him." (Psalm 34:8, NIV) Taste is a sense we do not often associate with judging the goodness of something other than food. But the Psalmist calls for those who hear or read his word to taste and see that the Lord is good. David had experienced God’s goodness. He had seen God and work. He had gained victory when death seemed so near. David invites others to come to God, to test Him and to experience God’s goodness first hand.

No one can taste your food for you. You may like more salt than someone else. Some people love certain foods while others gag at the thought of the same food. Taste is a firsthand experience. The only way we can truly experience God is to experience Him for ourselves. To hear about God is great. To listen to testimonies of how God has moved in the lives of others is a wonderful experience, but we can only experience God’s goodness if we come to Him and taste. If we come near to God, if we reach out to Him, if we seek Him, we will experience His goodness and love.

There are certain foods that seem to grab hold of your taste buds and demand you eat more. Perhaps it is popcorn or potato chips, maybe it is your favorite candy, for some reason it is not usually broccoli or greens. If we sincerely approach God, if we are serious about wanting to know Him, He will give us a hunger and thirst for Him that continues to draw us into His presence. We will desire to please Him in all we think, speak, and do. Once we experience God for ourselves, once we taste and see that He is good, we will take refuge in Him and we will be blessed. "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6, NIV)