Taste Test

 

“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

—Psalm 34:8

I am always heartened to see the professional cooks on television taste their food to see if they like it. As a rather insecure cook, I must frequently use the taste test myself.

Psalm 34, quoted above, was written by David when he was in trouble. He had no one to trust but God Himself. Here David urges those who have difficulties like his to test the Lord and to find out that that the “taste” proves God’s goodness.

So, how are we to implement this particular kind of “taste test”? We perform that test by putting our trust in God when we need protection or provision. David tells us we won’t be disappointed. The test of our faith will reveal so much more nourishment and enjoyment from God than we could even imagine or expect.

We can also “taste” the goodness of our God by the reminders of His power, mercy, grace, and love through His written Word. Like a savory meal or a rich, satisfying dessert, we can dine on God’s revealed truth to us in His precious written Word. Another Psalmist tells us, in Psalm 119:103:

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth.”

When I have guests coming for a meal, I am especially nervous about the right balance of the food. When we share our favorite dishes, we want those whom we’ve invited to enjoy them as much as we do.

But, what about those who have never “tasted” our God through the Lord Jesus Christ, His Son? How should we prepare and season the food of God’s written Word for those we hope to invite to the meal?

We want our feast filled with the zest of Christ. We desire those who have never tasted Him, to smell the aroma, to be drawn to the table prepared by the Holy Spirit. As Christians, even Jesus told us that we have the effect of presenting the world with His savory goodness. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus said:

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?”

Let us pray that God will allow us new bites of His goodness. Then pray that He will make our lives and the “food” we present to those who need it, tasty indeed, full of flavor, and sparkling with fresh goodness.