Taste!

Psalm 34:8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; Blessed is the man who trusts in Him! I'm back to Bible Study Fellowship again for another God visit (and there are many) in our lesson.  The question was asked "How did the notes challenge or encourage you in specific ways this week?"  So as I looked back over my markings on the notes I found one of the texts I highlighted spoke strongly to me about doing life with Jesus.  I highlighted the statement, "Temporary suffering affords the opportunity to taste and see God's goodness."  

We were still studying John 16.  Jesus had compared the suffering in this world to a woman giving birth.  John 16:20-22 . 20 I tell you the truth, you will weep and mourn over what is going to happen to me, but the world will rejoice. You will grieve, but your grief will suddenly turn to wonderful joy. 21 It will be like a woman suffering the pains of labor. When her child is born, her anguish gives way to joy because she has brought a new baby into the world. 22 So you have sorrow now, but I will see you again; then you will rejoice, and no one can rob you of that joy.  And in verse 33,  I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”

So this is the section of the notes that challenged and encouraged me.  But, God wasn't done yet.  I have a devotional that's called "Pray A Word A Day."  It's from Guideposts devotionals.  And of course God had things all lined up.  The day before our BSF discussion the word of the day was "TASTE." 

My challenge is to see God's goodness and love in the difficulties of life.  I let my attention and emotions focus on the trouble instead of Jesus.  My encouragement is to change this focus.  To seek God in the trials, big and small, and taste His goodness as He works out His plan and walks with me through the day.  

So I offer you the same challenge and encouragement today.  Taste and see the Lord is good!

Lord, lift our eyes to You.  Let us go beyond the momentary troubles of this life and keep the long view in our focus as You work out all things for our good.  Forgive me for not trusting You, not rejoicing in all things and not casting my care upon You.  Thank You for never giving up on this slow learner.  In Jesus' Name  Amen. 

2 Corinthians 4:17-18 17 For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! 18 So we don’t look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever.

Romans 8:28 28 And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

Philippians 4:4-7 4 Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! 5 Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.6 Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

1 Peter 5:7 Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you.