Taste and See...

Psalm 34:8 is an often quoted verse for the followers of Jesus. "Taste and see that the LORD is good," is what David wrote in the middle of this soul stirring poem. However, while this verse is often quoted it is very difficult to live. In a world that is built around meeting the physical, emotional, and spiritual pleasures of our lives it can be easy to "Taste and see" the goodness of other things. For example we will:

1. Taste and see that our friends are good.
2. Taste and see that our material possessions are good.
3. Taste and see that our families are good.
4. Taste and see that this world is good.
5. Taste and see that our Facebook status is good.
6. Taste and see that our iPhone is good.
7. Taste and see that our boyfriends and girlfriends or wives and husbands are good.

However, if we look back at Psalm 34 in verse six I think we will see the key to Tasting and seeing that the LORD alone is good. Verse six states "This poor man cried, and the LORD heard him and saved him out of all his troubles." This poor man is not only David, who wrote this Psalm, but it also you and I. We are truly a poor people who cannot save ourselves. The people and things in this world that we taste and that we see do not compare to the taste and sight of Jesus Christ. Yet so often we don't live this idea. We shake our heads and agree with it, but do we live it. Only when we realize, as David did, that we are a poor people, will we be truly able to taste and see the LORD in all his goodness. Despite all the momentary pleasures this life and world have to offer, they cannot satisfy the longing for eternity that is on each of our hearts. We long for something more than this world and its small pleasures, and once we realize this world is not good and is not worth savoring and tasting, we become poor and turn to the only good and satisfying, Jesus Christ.

What are you tasting and seeing as good? I have to ask myself this question daily as I always refocus my life and desires around the man Jesus Christ. I am a poor man who calls out to him daily and He always saves me from the poor life I would have without Him. Only when we see ourselves as poor people, and Jesus Christ as the soul satisfying, powerful, savior that He is will we begin to live Psalm 34:8. Have you tasted the goodness of Jesus today? Have you seen the goodness of Jesus today? If not, then pray that your eyes be opened because, as Jesus promised, He is with us always.

Here are a few other practical ideas to help you Taste and See the LORD.
1. Read your Bible daily. Read a Psalm everyday.
2. Pray everyday. If you don't know what to say then just pray the Psalm you read that day.
3. Whenever you experience happiness or joy in a day thank Jesus for his goodness and His ability to save us.
4. Whenever you taste good food (steak or candy) think about how much greater the taste of Jesus is. This may be weird to start, but overtime it will remind you that Jesus is a person who you can have real experiences with.
5. Strive to see God in all areas of your life. Your school, your relationships, and even your online experience. When we can see the goodness of God everywhere we will know His goodness.