Taste and See

O taste and see that the LORD is good: Blessed is the man that trusteth in him. Psalm 34:8 (KJV)

Devotion

The drive back home from the airport takes longer than usual because of an accident on the interstate. We are famished but decide to get home rather than delay our return.

I enter the kitchen and right away search the pantry, pick up a bag of almonds, shake my head and toss them back on the shelf; before picking up a cracker bag and grabbing a container from the refrigerator. Soon I’m shoving crisp wafers covered with cream cheese in my mouth. I swallowed several bites before realizing my hunger wasn’t satisfied. Then, thinking the smoked BBQ ribs will bring happiness, I gulp them as if I’m inhaling a mere breath. Once again, I am looking for something to quench my cravings.

Opening the refrigerator, I scan the contents. The remainder of a delicious Boston cream pie sits within a transparent container on a glass shelf. I pull it out, jerk off the lid, and cut a generous slice. Then my fork easily slides into the thin, rich chocolate layer through the creamy custard into the cake’s soft, moist bottom layer. Finally, the dessert slides from my fork, and the texture and flavor of each layer awaken my sense of taste. All the delicate elements of the dessert fit together in perfect union and temporarily satisfy my appetite.

What if I searched the Bible with the same intensity as my pie-eating eagerness? So whenever I felt empty spiritually, I was excited to sit for hours devouring different scriptures, searching for the right one. I concentrate on each morsel to savor every essential element until satisfied.

Are you hungry for the nourishing Word of God that feeds your soul and overwhelms you with joy regardless of your circumstances? Matthew 5:6 states, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.” True inner peace comes from your heavenly Father, His Son Jesus, and the precious Holy Spirit residing in individuals. God calls us to taste Him, which is to know Him intimately. His being seeps deep down into all aspects of us when we consume His Word and live according to it. It transforms. Our lives become rich with the sweetness of God when we desire those extraordinary and beneficial things.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that promises righteousness to those who seek you. I long to know you, learn your ways, and grow more like you. Keep me forever hungry for more of your Word. Amen

Reflect

While reading, pause to consider scripture to grasp its importance. How do you feel God wants you to implement it into your day?