Welcome back to our exploration of Psalm 34. Today, we're diving into a vivid metaphor that David uses to describe the experience of God's goodness.
"It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak." – C.S. Lewis
Psalm 34:8
"Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!"
Imagine walking into a five-star restaurant. The chef has prepared an exquisite meal, and the aroma fills the air. Now, would you be satisfied by merely reading the menu or hearing others talk about how delicious the food is? Of course not! You want to taste it for yourself.
This is the invitation David extends to us regarding God's goodness. The Hebrew word for "taste" here is "ta'am," which means to perceive, to experience personally. David isn't asking us to simply acknowledge God's goodness intellectually; he's urging us to experience it firsthand.
But how do we "taste" an invisible God? We taste God's goodness when we experience His grace in forgiving our sins. We taste it when we feel His peace in the midst of turmoil. We taste it when we witness His faithfulness in keeping His promises. Each of these experiences is a "flavor" of God's multifaceted goodness.
Notice that David doesn't just say "Taste," but "Taste and see" (v. 8). This suggests that the experience of God's goodness isn't meant to be a one-time event, but an ongoing revelation. As we continue to "taste," our spiritual senses are sharpened, and we begin to "see" - to perceive and understand - God's goodness more clearly.
The result of this tasting and seeing? Blessing. "Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!" (v. 8). The Hebrew word for "blessed" here is "ashre," which denotes a deep, settled happiness. It's not just a fleeting emotion, but a state of being that comes from experiencing God's goodness and making Him our refuge.
Friends, in a world that often leaves a bitter taste in our mouths, God invites us to a feast of His goodness. Don't be content with secondhand accounts or theoretical knowledge. Taste for yourself. Experience God's grace, mercy, and love in a personal, transformative way.
Can you recall a specific moment when you "tasted" God's goodness in a tangible way? How did that experience impact your faith?
What might be preventing you from fully "tasting" God's goodness in your current season of life?
How can you create more opportunities to experience God's goodness this week? Consider practical steps like intentional prayer, meditation on Scripture, or serving others.
God's goodness isn't just a concept to be understood, but a reality to be experienced. Today, I pray to taste and see.
Stay Dialed In,
Jonny Ardavanis