Ingredients for a Tasty Life!

“100 Places To Eat Before You Die” shouted the internet headline! I like to eat, so I read to see what I had been missing! Fortunately, one is right here in Kansas City, Oklahoma Joe’s. It’s bar-b-que. And it’s really good!

I got to thinking how much focus America puts on food. We love to eat! And we love to eat out.   We love our burgers and fries. Steaks and seafood. And chicken fixed a 100 different ways.   

And why? Because food tastes good.  I haven’t verified this, but I read that the tongue has over 10,000 taste buds that are replaced every two weeks. We taste sweet, sour, and salty.

Food fulfills our hunger. Adds pleasure through a satisfying taste. And when enjoyed with other people meets a need for companionship, relationship, and fellowship.

No wonder the Bible uses food metaphors to speak of satisfying our spiritual hunger.

Jesus said, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:48).

The Holy Spirit is pictured as being the thirst-quenching “living water” (John 7:38)

The Psalmist said the Word of God was “sweeter than honey” (Ps 19:10).

Babes in Christ are exhorted to drink the” milk of the word” while mature Christians should be feasting on the “meat” (Heb. 5:12-13)

And so it shouldn’t sound strange when David exclaimed, “O taste and see that the Lord is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Ps 34:8). There are many ingredients in this Psalm that will provide spiritual satisfaction.

(1) Take refuge in God.

The Psalmist had been through difficult situations in his life. Temptations. Trials. Taunts. He had been doubted by his family. Treated with contempt by his leaders. And chased like a wild animal by his enemies. But he never lost faith in God.

God was his refuge. His hiding place. His place of safety. Security. And solace.

(2) Believe in God’s goodness.

We know that bad things happen to good people. But God is good. All the time! The Bible affirms that every good and perfect gift comes from the Father (James 1:18). Both Ezra and Nehemiah, who were coming from Babylonian captivity to engage in the restoration of Jerusalem acknowledged that “the good hand of God” was upon them. (Ez 8:18; Neh. 2:8).

God is good. He blesses us again. And again. Believe it. Embrace it.   And…

(3) Taste the goodness of God

The tastiest food in the world does not satisfy the palate if left on the plate. There are no nutrients in uneaten food. It’s also true when it comes to our relationship with God. The Psalmist said, “Taste the Lord!”

          ◆“Taste” His goodness in the beauty of nature. Too often we rush hastily throughout life without appreciating the budding flower. The colorful rainbow. The resplendent sunset. The chirping bird. The gentle breeze. Take time to drink deeply from God’s creation.

          ◆“Taste” His goodness in the happiness of home life. Thankfully God knew it “was not good for a man to be alone.” So He made a mate suitable for man. Our spouses and our children bring a great deal of joy to our lives. It is especially so when we follow God’s blueprint for the home. Truly a happy and contented home life is a taste of heaven on earth.

          ◆“Taste” His goodness in Christian fellowship. God purposed that we do more than believe. He wants us to belong. To belong to a church family. To belong to a warm fellowship. To belong to a caring community. When Christians take their rightful place in the spiritual family, it brings nourishment to the soul and sustains our spirit

          ◆“Taste” His goodness in material blessings. God has blessed us richly. Most of us have the basic necessities of life–food, clothing, and shelter. Many of us enjoy “creature comforts.” But regardless of the degree of prosperity where we live, God provides. He blesses. He meets his children’s needs.

          ◆“Taste” His goodness in salvation through Christ. Jesus came not for us to read about Him, but to know Him. To experience a relationship with Him. To “taste” him. Indeed Jesus is “the bread of life.”

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, For they shall be filled” (Matt 5:6).

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman