October 4: Taste and See

Scripture
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.
Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!
Fear the Lord, you his godly people,
for those who fear him will have all they need.
Even strong young lions sometimes go hungry,
but those who trust in the Lord will lack no good thing.
Come, my children, and listen to me,
and I will teach you to fear the Lord.
Does anyone want to live a life
that is long and prosperous?
Then keep your tongue from speaking evil
and your lips from telling lies!
Turn away from evil and do good.
Search for peace, and work to maintain it.”
—Psalm 34:8–14 (NLT)

I don’t know if you’re like me, but I love trying new food. Sometimes you find something amazing, and other times… not so much. When David writes, “Taste and see that the Lord is good,” he’s inviting us to experience God’s goodness for ourselves. The Lord isn’t just good in theory, He is truly good. As A.W. Tozer wrote, “God’s goodness is the root of all goodness; and our goodness, if we have any, is a stream from the fountain of His.”¹ Those who take refuge in Him discover the joy that flows from that fountain.

When we truly know the Lord, we come to know His heart. And that knowledge changes the way we see Him. We shouldn’t live in terror of God, but we ought to carry a deep reverence for the One who created heaven and earth. That kind of fear leads to trust, and trust opens the door to provision. David says even strong lions go hungry, but those who put their confidence in the Lord will not lack any good thing.

If we want to live a long and full life, David tells us it’s really pretty simple. Honor the Lord in the way you speak and in the way you live. Watch your words and don’t let them slip into gossip or dishonesty. Choose instead to speak what is good and true. Turn away from what you know is wrong and lean into doing what is right. And because Jesus is the Prince of Peace, we’re called to be people who don’t just hope for peace but actually look for it and do the hard work of keeping it.

This is the best way to live. It means tasting God’s goodness daily, trusting His provision, and walking in His ways. As we do, our lives become a testimony that God truly is as good as His Word says He is. So today, let’s not just talk about His goodness. Let’s live in it so others can see and be drawn to Him.

Reflection
1. When have you most clearly experienced the goodness of God in your life?

2. What area of your words or actions needs to be more aligned with honoring the Lord?

3. How can you intentionally “search for peace and work to maintain it” in your relationships this week?

Prayer
Thank God for His goodness and provision in your life. Ask Him to guide your words and actions so they honor Him. Pray for a heart that seeks peace and reflects the joy of trusting in His goodness.

Footnote
¹ A.W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy (New York: Harper & Brothers, 1961), 60.