Taste and see that the Lord is good. — Psalm 34:8a
In high school, several of us would sit in the balcony of the church to avoid the accusing eyes of our parents and congregation, and so our giggles and snickers wouldn’t disturb the service. I couldn’t imagine what we would have done back then if today’s verse was read. We wouldn’t have seen past a literal reading.
The passage is a call to engage with our senses and experience God’s goodness in a deeply personal way. When we think of tasting God’s goodness, it’s easy to focus on the spectacular and awe-inspiring, like a breathtaking sunset or the birth of a child. But this verse challenges us to find God in the everyday, the simple, and yes, the delicious.
Think of a time you’ve eaten something so incredibly good that it made you pause. The rich, savory gumbo at a New Orleans restaurant, a perfectly ripe peach on a summer day, or the comforting warmth of homemade bread. These aren’t just great meals; they are moments where we can experience a fleeting glimpse of divine goodness. The intricate flavors, the perfect textures, and the sheer delight of a truly wonderful meal can feel like a gift, a tangible manifestation of a loving Creator.
This “tasting” is a call to a deeper form of gratitude. It’s about recognizing that the joy we find in the world—in the scent of a blooming garden, the sound of a loved one’s laugh, the feeling of the sun on our skin—all point back to the source of all good things.
Ultimately, Psalm 34:8a encourages us to awaken our senses and be present in our daily lives. It’s a reminder that God’s goodness isn’t confined to a church service or a mountaintop experience; it’s woven into the very fabric of our existence, waiting to be tasted, seen, and appreciated.
What is a recent meal or flavor that has made you feel a sense of profound goodness?
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