Taste and See!

by | Jan 1, 2019 | Jesus Christ, Law of God, Man's Nature

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

Psalm 34:8 invites me to experience God’s goodness through trust, a theme echoed in David’s testimony of divine deliverance: “I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears” (Ps. 34:4). Matthew Henry notes, “The soul that tastes God’s goodness finds strength to praise Him continually, even in distress.” This personal encounter with God’s mercy (as David declares in verse 6) transforms faith into a living reality. My trust in God, especially in trials, opens my heart to His blessings and fills me with the joy of His presence.

David’s commitment to praise, “I will bless the Lord at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth” (Ps. 34:1), is a sure and steady safeguard for the soul. And the assurance of divine protection, as verse 7 promises, “The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear him, and delivereth them,” further anchors my hope. God’s attentive ear, open to the righteous (Ps. 34:15), assures me that my cries are heard, my needs known, and my path guarded by His providence.

Psalm 34:14 urges me to “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.” And though my heart often falters, I must, like David, turn to God in repentance to allow His mercy to cleanse my wavering heart. 15th century Christian theologian Wolfgang Capito’s prayer mirrors this psalm: “Give me peace and a mind to deal peaceably with all men. Let Thine eyes tenderly regard me, incline Thine ears to my prayers, from all peril deliver me. Be at hand, for I am bruised in heart and troubled in mind; set me at liberty according to Thy word, let me be faultless and innocent in Thine eyes. Amen.”[1]

Psalm 34 calls me to trust God’s deliverance, to praise Him in all circumstances, and to seek His peace. For it is in Christ that I find the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promises—His righteousness covering my sin and His presence my refuge. I am therefore called to confess my failures and trust His mercy to lead me to peace.

 

Contemplations:

  1. Divine deliverance. Psalm 34:4 assures me that God hears and delivers me from all fears. In times of distress I often rely on myself, but David’s trust inspires me to cry out to Him instead, trusting His deliverance and praising His name.
  2. Angelic protection. Psalm 34:7 promises that God’s angels encircle those who fear Him. But I often forget to trust His protection and, as a result, live in a state of anxiety. I must learn to rest in His guardianship, seeking His gentleness to calm my heart.
  3. The power of praise. David’s continual praise in Psalm 34:1 strengthens his faith and witnesses to others, even during times of hardship. Do I offer praise in trials, or do I tend to grumble? I must bless God always, letting praise be my safeguard and testimony.
  4. Seeking peace. Psalm 34:14 calls me to pursue peace that I may reflect God’s love to others. Lord help me strive for godliness and for a heart that deals peaceably with all.

Prayer (Confession):

O Lord, You are the God of goodness whose mercy delivers and protects, as Psalm 34:8 proclaims. I confess that I have not always tasted Your goodness with trust, nor praised You with constancy. Too often, I lean on my own strength in distress, forgetting Your promise to hear my cries (Ps. 34:4). My heart wavers, seeking comfort in worldly things rather than Your presence. Forgive me for my lack of faith, for letting fear drown out Your deliverance.

I confess my failure to bless You at all times, as Psalm 34:1 commands. My lips have grumbled when they should have praised, robbing others of the witness of Your goodness. I have neglected Your protection, doubting the angels that encamp around me (Ps. 34:7). My pride has hindered peace, choosing conflict over the humility You desire (Ps. 34:14). Forgive me for seeking my own way, for failing to pursue righteousness and reflect Your love.

I have not always dealt peaceably with others, resisting Your call to bless, not curse, despite evil (Rom. 12:14). My heart has harbored resentment, quenching the joy of Your salvation. Forgive me for these sins, O Lord, and cleanse me from all unrighteousness, as 1 John 1:9 promises. I am weak, prone to wander, quick to doubt Your care. Wash me in Christ’s blood, renewing my heart to trust and praise You.

Yet, Your mercy is my hope. I thank You for hearing the poor man’s cry (Ps. 34:6), for Your angels that deliver, and for Your ears that are open to my prayers (Ps. 34:15). Renew my faith to taste Your goodness, to seek Your peace, and to live for Your glory. Let my life testify to Your love, drawing others to see Your faithfulness.

In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Further Scripture References for Psalm 34:8:

Ps. 2:12, Heb. 6:5, Ps. 119:68, Nah. 1:7.

 

 

[1] Wolfgang Capito, An Epitome of the Psalms, or Brief Meditations Upon the Same, with Diverse Other Most Christian Prayers, Translated by Richard Tauerner, Early English Books Online (Imprinted at London: By R. Bankes for A. Clerk in Fleet Street at the sign of the White Heart 1539).