Taste and See that the LORD is good.

Psalm 34:8

Taste and see that the LORD is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.

This verse seems to have two different ways that you can read it. I'm not if one is more valid than the other, but here are some thought.

• Tasting and Seeing Creation

 We can know that God is good from creation. We see the sun an the trees and the birds and all these wonderful things. They are all blessings from God, blessings for everyone to enjoy - Christians and Non-Christians alike. God has blessed us with these things and they are proof that he is good - how and why could an evil 'God' give us good gifts? God must be good because he has created good things, and even though they have been tainted by our rebellion and sin, they are still good and enjoyable.

In fact, it's for this reason that God can justly judge all people who reject him, even if they haven't heard the gospel directly. Romans 1:18-20 says:

The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of people, who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.

 From creation we can know a bit about God, and if we are faithful with that knowledge God will provide more knowledge and save. 

•   'Tasting' and 'Seeing' God.

How can we know if a piece of fruit is good or bad? There's only two ways: First you look at it and see if there are any blemishes on it, and secondly you taste it to make sure it tastes alright. Sometimes it's obvious just by looking that the piece of fruit will taste bad (e.g. Bananas when they turn black), but sometimes you have to bite into it to tell (e.g. flowery apples look good on the outside but have a terrible texture in my opinion).

This kind of leads into our relationship with God. We can see his characteristics in creation, and from his word and in his people. As God's people we need to imitate Jesus (who is God) and therefore be a light to others, showing God's character (even if we cannot do it perfectly) through how we live. We also need to share the gospel and tell people about God. Non-Christians can see God through his word and his people.

Then we can "taste" God - once we are Christians we can see him working in our lives, we can experience his mercy and his grace first hand. If nothing else we know that there is complete forgiveness through Jesus so we no longer have to face guilt and shame. We don't have to fear death because we are forgiven and are adopted as God's children - we will be with him for eternity after we die. We can know his love and comfort from his word, where he encourages us, and also we see it in our lives when he sustains us in trials and hardship, teaching us and growing us through it.

"Blessed is the One who Takes refuge in him"

We can see and taste that God is good. We can know that for sure, in our lives and by his word and his actions through history. Therefore, since we can be sure ghat he is good, we should take refuge in him. Repent and Believe, turn from your sin and find refuge in God. He alone saves, he alone forgives. He alone gives eternal life. It won't be easy, not here at least - we still suffer and struggle as Christians. But we have a sovereign, all-powerful, all-knowing God who looks after us and teaches us, who sustains us and who will bring us to heaven eternally.

Psalm 46:1-3

God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.  

Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, 

 though its waters roar and foam
and the mountains quake with their surging.

Is God your Refuge and Strength?

God Bless,
Nat.