Taste and See

Today's Readings
Nehemiah 9:22-10:39 | 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13 | Psalm 34 | Proverbs 21:13
Tomorrow's Readings

I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.
(Psalm 34:4-10)

David calls upon men to stir up their senses, and to bring a palate endued with some capacity of tasting, that God's goodness may become known to them. His meaning, therefore, is that there is nothing on the part of God to prevent the godly, to whom he particularly speaks in this place, from arriving at the knowledge of his goodness by actual experience. From this it follows, that they also are infected with the common malady of dullness. This doctrine is confirmed by the promise immediately added, Blessed is the man who trusts in him; for God never disappoints the expectations of those who seek his favour. Our own unbelief is the only impediment which prevents him from satisfying us largely and bountifully with abundance of all good things.
John Calvin

David's encouragement to us emerges out of his own need and experience in prayer. "This poor man cried..." transforms into "those who fear him have no lack"; "...saved him out of all his troubles" transforms into "those who seek the Lord lack no good thing". Our health & wealth brethren are fools for forgetting that we pass through troubles to find the abundance of God's provision - the reason for this is stated by Calvin: we are all given to dullness of heart. When we enjoy God's abundance, we too often slide slowly into forgetfulness and presumption; the withdrawal of his blessing leaves us flopping like minnows left exposed by the heat of the sun. Baked and parched, the discomfort moves us to once again desire his living water. We cry out to him, and he hears us.