Taste and See (#201 of 365+)

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him” (Psalm 34:8)

My husband and I have been eating more salads and sandwiches
lately. I’m trying to provide a variety of flavors on our weekly menu to prevent our palates from getting bored. So far I’ve made the following: cucumber and tomato salad with a light balsamic vinaigrette (as an appetizer before a main course of chili), cubed chicken salad, taco salad (I added kidney beans and deleted corn chips), tuna salad sandwiches (with slivered almonds for crunch, and very little mayonnaise, all on wheat bread). On the evening I made the taco salad I thought my husband would choose either the low fat/low calorie ranch or the western (tomato) dressing to go with it. He stunned me when he chose the light balsamic vinaigrette. I thought surely the flavors would clash and he was going to ruin his salad! Instead of debating me or ignoring my cries of protest, my husband did the best thing he could have done to win me over. He simply offered me a forkful of his salad and asked me to taste it. At first I refused, but then I gave in. I took a bite and my eyes opened wide as my taste buds began to transmit the information to my brain.

It was delicious.

Joni said even if I think I have all the knowledge in the world about God, that I have all the facts and figures, but I haven’t personally experienced the Lord—then I don’t know him at all.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good”…

If someone hasn’t ever met the Lord yet the best way to “taste and see” is to make a commitment to read the Bible and spend time in prayer every day for a few weeks. I have yet to hear of anyone, even an atheist, who has done this—with an open heart and an open mind—and come away with nothing. Every story I’ve heard about results in faith in Jesus Christ and a profound transformation. So, to anyone who might be reading this devotional note, I offer you the Lord. You might not believe he’ll do you any good but the possibility of a positive outcome should make it a chance worth taking. Won’t you open your mind and your heart for the next few weeks and try the Lord? I believe with my entire being that you won’t regret it.

Lord, you are holy and worthy of all praise and honor, yet you have a tremendous love for sinners. Thank you for never disappointing anyone who earnestly seeks you. May many more souls come to know your grace through Joni’s work. Amen.