Taste and see that the lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.
Psalm 34:8 

You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.
Psalm 119:68

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The smell of crackling turkey bacon drifts through the air. Fluffy, yellow scrambled eggs glisten in the sunlight. Sliced potatoes sizzle to a crisp in the iron skillet. Red strawberries garnish a whole-grain pancake. Grilled walleye, steamy, soft, and flaky, appeals to your senses. Your eyes catch a glimpse of the ears of sweet corn. Salted and buttered, they coax you to pick one up. Fizzy cream soda awaits.  The anticipated taste is pure joy, for sure. Just try it, “taste” as the psalmist suggests, and “see” the results. 

I attended the Willow Creek World Food Fair in early September. Being a fussy and picky eater, I generally avoid food fairs. This time I had a mission to meet people to tell them about my new small group (a small group for creatives). I was confident that the Lord was asking me to be in a place I preferred not to be. I ate what I did not like while I studied the crowd. “Nice logo on your sweatshirt,” I said. “What does it mean to you?” That conversation led to our first small group member. I learned that the taste of the food didn’t matter. It was the “taste and see” of stepping out to meet someone and to make an invitation. And doing that had beautiful results—a divine appointment.

Many times when we seek awareness and assurance of God’s presence, we need to take the next step (a taste) in order to realize He is with us (to see). “Taste and see” the results of being with God, of trusting God enough to surrender to His will. “The Lord is good,” not harmful, the psalm promises.

 Be surrendered to God and watch while His goodness flows from you to others. These taste-and-see moments of goodness are the fruit of the Holy Spirit.

Next Steps   

Savor the Holy Spirit’s guidance by memorizing scripture verses. You will find some useful affirmations, and others may kindle hope when you are going through tough times. Be mindful of the fruit of God’s goodness flowing through you as your life transforms into the image of Christ.