Reflection:
Under stress, our focus narrows. Our senses still work, but we’re less attuned to the information they’re sending our way. It’s hard to taste and see when we’re stressed.
When we take refuge in our Lord, we are safe and secure. Feeling safe allows our body to calm. Our heartbeat slows and we begin to breathe a little more deeply. Then it’s easier to reengage with our senses, to taste and to see, to notice. And then we’re able to experience the good things around us.
It might be something small — the smell of bread baking in the oven, then cut and smeared with honey — the warm soft bread, the crunchy crust, the sweet honey — a moment filled with simple goodness.
But experiencing God’s goodness takes us to another level. There is the wonder of his rescue from our sin through the work of our Lord Jesus Christ. And he graciously provides for us in abundance: ‘I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of Egypt. Open wide your mouth and I will fill it. But you would be fed with the finest of wheat; with honey from the rock, I would satisfy you’ (Psalm 81:10,16).
And he has provided us with his word as spiritual food to feed our souls; to nourish us and enable us to grow in maturity. We can meditate on it and with the Psalmist say, ‘how sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth’.
This is what you are doing as you reflect on God’s word right now. You are filling your mind with something wholesome, good and true. His word can so fill our minds that we’re able to reframe our life situation and see how the Lord is with us, how much he cares for and protects us, and provides for us.
Why not re-read Psalm 34 and taste and see how the Lord is good. Carry this truth with you through the remainder of today.
Prayer:
Lord God, you are gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. You are good to all and have compassion on all you have made. Thank you that I have tasted of your goodness. Fill my mind today with an awareness of the small and the large blessings that flow from your loving and generous hand. In the name of Jesus. Amen.
Song:
“Psalm 34 (Taste and See That He Is Good)” by The Psalms Project, Bethany John, Daniel Brunz