Taste!

Taste!

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

Context and Charge:

It is important to find, develop and nurture a relationship with God. There are things that happen to a person in life that may not be fully understood, but a relationship with God will always help it make some sense. David is someone God called a man after his heart, and it is not a wonder that he enjoyed grace and privilege that not too many people have. There were things he did, that Saul, the king before him also did, but David's relationship with God always led him to seek God's mercy and favour very quickly. He would not let sin of adultery and murder dwell too long, and as soon as he was made aware, he repented. He was severely punished, even to the generations after him, but he knew that his relationship with God was fully restored. That is the benefit and blessing linked to a healthy relationship with God. Do you have it? Do I? 

I note that being close to God did not stop David from experiencing some uncomfortable experiences. Abimelech could have killed him; after all, he went into the camp of the enemy of his own accord, when he was seeking refuge from king Saul. He knew and loved God, and he had been anointed as king at this time, yet he had to learn total dependence on God every step of the way. That is the ultimate desire of God; that no matter what comes my way, I learn to depend solely on him and trust him every step of the way. That is the personal experience that is the best lesson for anyone; that which you have tested and proven for yourself. On dark days, those experiences will remind you of who God is, what He has done in the past, and what He has power, ability and capacity to do in the future. Do you know this God? Do I?

Conviction and Conclusion:

Just as David ends this verse, so do I need to learn and hold on to this truth: it pays to trust in God. In fact, if you do not trust God, what are the options? Is it to trust in man, who cannot guarantee you the next second, not to talk of tomorrow? Trust does not have multiple sides; it is either I trust God fully or I do not. I cannot combine trust in God with trust in other created things. There is no middle ground or fence to sit on, where I get to play half-hearted devotion, and then jump ship when things get uncomfortable. It must be total, and it must stick to the end if I am to get the reward promised those who trust in God. There are earthly blessings to consider, as well as eternal consequences to trusting God. If I will enjoy all that God is, total dependence is the key. I have the assurance I will never be disappointed. God's time of favour is here.