It Only Takes a Taste

"O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good!

Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) 

is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him."

Psalm 34:8 AMP

"How will I know he's the one?"  It's a question asked through the ages by young women yearning for their prince, their knight in shining armor, their future husband.  This sentiment also has been applied to God.  People throughout time have wondered, How do I know what the Bible says is true?  How can I be sure God really is good?  What if I put my trust in Him and it's all proved to be a sham, a big cosmic joke?

There is always a certain risk when it comes to matters of faith.  After all, that's what faith is: Believing something is true in the absence of evidence.  While I can see plenty of proof all around of a good God who loves us; the complexity of His creation, so-called coincidences that are just too good to be mere happenstance, a marriage between two people who love each other through thick and thin, it can be argued that I see these things because I know God for myself.  I love Him and have committed my life to Him through faith in Jesus Christ.  I believe so it could be said I only have eyes for Him.  I'm brainwashed, so to speak.

If this is true, then all I can say is what David expressed in today's passage.  "Try God out for yourself and then see all the ways He makes your life better.  You'll never know for sure until You give Him a chance in your own life!"  

What can I expect if I give Him a chance?

Deliverance.  Not from my problems.  Not from hardships.  Not from difficulties.  Submitting myself to God through faith in Jesus Christ will offer another kind of deliverance.  I will find freedom from fear as I begin to relate to God as a child to a loving, powerful and sovereign Father.  If He is my refuge and strength, bigger than any problem or crisis I face, what do I have to fear (Psalm 46:1- 3)?

In addition, shame will be gone as I realize the forgiveness Jesus has secured through His blood sacrifice (Hebrews 9:22), giving me the opportunity to live with the confidence that my sins have not condemned me.  Not only that, but I have hope, even when it seems there is none.  In Christ, the Conqueror, I can possess an optimistic expectation of what is to come.

When I taste and see that the Lord is good I will find true deliverance.

Abundance.  I often wonder what it would be like to grow up in a wealthy home, to have a father with power and influence, resources beyond comprehension, who loved me unconditionally and had the clout to pull strings to provide the best life has to offer.  Then I remember:  I do have a Father like that!

God is as fatherly as they come, doting on His children and lavishing them with gifts beyond compare (1 John 3:1, Matthew 7:9-11, Ephesians 1:3).  His brand of spoiling is best since He tempers it with discipline, giving me the best of both worlds.  I have all that I need and more, plus the benefit of a firm hand when necessary.  In this way I won't be ruined with getting things my way but am secure in His love as a legitimate child (Hebrews 12:7-8).

When I taste and see that the Lord is good I will discover His abundant gifts flowing throughout my life.

Redemption.  There's something special about the love of God.  He has this power to take that which was meant for my destruction, the very thing that was meant to bring me down, what was introduced into my life to hurt me, and transform it.  God's redemptive power is life-altering (Isaiah 61:3).  

Sin, which came into the world through the disobedience of one man, Adam, spread throughout all the earth, corrupting it and twisting it into something unrecognizable from it's original design.  Still, God is able to take me as a sinful being and redeem my life, transforming it from a downward spiral that ends in death to a beautiful journey that takes me to life eternal (Ephesians 1:8, John 3:16).  

Sin was supposed to be the end of all the good that God made, but God had a plan.  Through Jesus, He was able to buy it back with His blood, giving us the power to live as one who is righteous by faith and the hope of it all returning to it's pre-sin state when Jesus returns (Romans 3:22, Revelation 21) .  His resurrection is proof.  

Not only do I have this salvation from the punishment my sins earned me, but even the weakness of my sinful body can be used for good(Romans 6:13)!  How could anything decent or wholesome come from my heart that is corrupted by sin?  Through Christ, it is made new and I can fulfill the good plan He has for me (Ephesians 2:10)!

When I taste and see that the Lord is good I will know His redemptive power for myself.

It may be hard to believe without some kind of physical, tangible confirmation that God exists.  I can't see Him.  I can't touch Him.  I can't hear Him.  How do I know He's not some figment of my imagination?  If I take a risk and try Him out for myself, putting my full weight on Him and testing Him out, I'll find deliverance, abundance, and redemption.  It only takes a taste, and then there is no going back!

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can trust God enough to take Him at His word.

When do I demand physical evidence before I'll try God on for myself?

How has God changed my life in ways I can't otherwise explain? 

  

The Risk of Comfort

"When I have brought them into the land

flowing with milk and honey,

the land I promised on oath to their ancestors,

and when they eat their fill and thrive,

they will turn to other gods and worship them,

rejecting me and breaking my covenant.

And when many disasters and calamities come on them,

this song will testify against them,

because it will not be forgotten by their descendants.

I know what they are disposed to do,

even before I bring them into the land 

I promised them on oath."

Deuteronomy 31:20-21

They were on the cusp of seeing the promise they had so long awaited be fulfilled.  This new generation of Israelites, the children of the whining and complaining group of desert-wandering people, had heard all their lives about the land flowing with milk and honey.  They grew up with the assurance that God would one day, when the time was right, usher them into the land of their inheritance.  

Before they set foot in this glorious land, however, God wanted to make sure they were fully aware of His expectations for them.  After He laid down the law, instructing them directly in His ways, He ended with a warning.  The caution was centered around a tendency for the human heart to stray when times are good.  When they were wandering around the desert, directly dependent upon God for their sustenance (manna and quail), clothing (supernaturally preserved) and guidance (pillar of fire by night and pillar of cloud by day), it was necessary for them to stay focused on their Provider.

Once they entered into the land promised to them, however, times would get easier.  They would live in houses they did not build, eat from gardens they didn't plant and enjoy the fruits of someone else's labor. (Deuteronomy 6:10-13) They would get comfortable.  

When things start to go well, the sinful human heart tends to turn away from God.  It is this treacherous tendency of which God warns.  Thankfully, there is an antidote given for this malady.

Faithfulness of God

"I forgot."

This was often the excuse one of my daughters would give when confronted about her unfinished chores.  While the human memory often fails, God's never does.  

No matter how faithless I tend to be; going my own way, depending on my own strength, and focusing inwardly, God never forgets His promises.  My weakness does not in any way diminish His strength.  My sin never takes away from His holiness.  My waywardness doesn't negate His persistence.  

Therefore, my success in His kingdom depends completely on Him and not on me.  Like He told Paul, His grace is enough for me and His power is evident when I give up in my own labors.  (2 Corinthians 12:9)  When I surrender my life into His hands, He grows to take up a more prominent place in my life.  Once I get out of the way, He can truly show His power.  Until then, my efforts block His work from manifesting in my life.

It is important, then, that I admit to my failings, am honest about my inabilities and stop trying to put up a strong front.  Pretending like I've got everything under control does not bring glory to God.  Showing my weaknesses by living transparently before God and others, admitting of my need for Him does.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must keep connected to the God of faithfulness.

Remember

My dad loves to tell stories of his youth.  He recounts the adventures he experienced, the people he encountered, and the hard times he endured.  Hearing about his life helps me to better understand him and the legacy he is leaving his family.

It is important that I use this same practice when it comes to the Lord.  When I talk about His mighty works, recounting all the ways He has provided, comforted and prevailed, I leave a legacy of faith to those who are listening.  As the years go by, these tales may seem like a distant memory or a kind of fairy tale, but the practice of telling the story keeps alive the legends of God's greatness.

For this reason, I make it a practice to keep a "Stones of Remembrance" journal.  Before the Israelites crossed the Jordan River to enter into the Promised Land, God instructed them to collect twelve stones, one for each tribe, and erect them as an altar of remembrance for generations to come.  Whenever children would see the pile of rocks, they would inquire of its significance and those present would have the opportunity to tell how God parted the waters to provide a way for them to enter into the land in which they now live. (Joshua 4:1-7)  In the same way, I keep a record of God's mighty works, big and small, to serve as inspiration in times to come.  

It is good to remind myself and others of how God has provided in the past when I reach a time of want.  When times of loss come, it is beneficial to look back at the comfort God has given during other periods of grief.  If I reach a moment of crisis, it helps to keep in mind the strong leadership my Shepherd has provided in days gone by.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must make it a practice to remember the works of God.

Sovereignty of God

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't make it work.  I had the dream of digging a pond for the duck our neighbor gave me.  Even though I was just a kid, I wanted to give my new feathered friends the joy that came from paddling around a body of water.  So, I got to work digging a sizable hole.  Once it was big enough, I ran the hose until it reached the hole and filled it up.  Much to my dismay, the water quickly soaked into the ground.  Without the help of an adult who knew about building ponds, my efforts were for naught.

In the same way that I couldn't reach my goal only with what little know-how I possessed in my young mind, there is no way for me to succeed in life without the Lord. (Proverbs 16:1-9) Nothing happens outside of His will, so if I want to live a life of peace and purpose, I will need to pay attention to His instructions and His leadership.  In the same way that my project failed in my own feeble attempts, so will my life if I rely only on my own understanding and common sense.

Formulating a plan, then, is not what it takes to live a life of meaning that will bring glory to God.  Wanting to do something of worth and value with my life will not get me to my goal.  Taking the steps I think are necessary to please God will do nothing to bring pleasure to Him.  Instead, I must seek God wholeheartedly, relying on His sovereign plan to give me my marching orders.

This means when I want to charge full-steam ahead, I may need to reign in my enthusiasm and wait for the go-ahead from the Master Planner.  I will also find that in the times when I'm feeling vulnerable, God may have amazing feats of wonder to work out in my life in the midst of the struggle.  There is also the possibility that my sense of ill-preparedness is exactly what God will use to showcase His power.

If I want to resist drifting away from the Lord in times of comfort, I must keep in mind that nothing of significance can happen apart from Him.

Even though I desire ease and comfort, there is a risk in reaching such a plateau.  I would be wise, then, to heed God's warning designed to keep me close to Him, and guard against my tendency to drift.  As a result, it is my intention to stand firm on the faithfulness of God, remember His mighty acts, and live as if my life depended on Him.  In these ways, I'll minimize the risk of living a life of comfort and security.

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can keep God in the foreground of my vision.

When do I let God fade into the hazy distance?

How do I try to make things happen on my own, neglecting to consider God's sovereign plan? 

Exceptions

"The total number of the men of Israel was 601,730.

The LORD said to Moses,

'The land is to be allotted to them as an

inheritance based on the number of names. . .'

'Why should our father's name disappear from his 

clan because he had no son?

Give us property among our father's relatives.'"

Numbers 26:51-53, 27:4

It didn't seem fair.  The five daughters belonged to the clans of Manasseh, son of Joseph but their father had died in the desert, leaving his family with no sons.  When the census was taken, the men were counted and this number was used in the distribution of land.  Since there were no males to represent them, it was almost as if this family didn't exist.  Therefore, the daughters of Zelophehad would receive no allotment of land.

Instead of settling for the lousy hand they had been dealt, these brave women approached Moses with a request.  Taking them seriously, this humble leader did not simply dismiss them based on the policy God had already established.  Instead, he brought their reasonable request before the Lord.  

I wonder how these women felt as they waited for the answer Moses would receive from the Lord?  They might have thought, Maybe we're too bold to ask such a thing.  What were we thinking?  What God says is law!  Who are we to question Him?  What if He strikes us down for showing such audacity as to go against what He has already established?  Much to their relief, the Lord said, "What Zelophehad's daughters are saying is right.  You must certainly give them property as an inheritance among their father's relatives and give their father's inheritance to them." (Numbers 27:7)

God is not unreasonable in His expectations of us.  If we approach Him with a request, He will do what is right, not putting the law above His people.  Therefore, I can feel comfortable boldly approaching Him if I feel slighted.

Ask

I spent the first 7 years of my educational career dressing for success.  I often lamented to my friends about my mother's expectation that I wear only dresses, skirts or nice pants to school.  One of my best buddies lived up in the mountains and her mom required that she wear jeans in order to keep warm and avoid ruining any nice clothing.  The two of us often expressed the wish that we could switch moms: She wanted to don a skirt and go-go-boots while I longed for the freedom and comfort found in jeans.

Once my younger sister entered Kindergarten my sixth-grade year, I was shocked to witness her everyday attire: Jeans!  How could my mother let her wear jeans when I was always expected to dress up?  After steaming for a few days, I finally drew up the courage to ask my mom.  "How come Debby gets to wear jeans when you always made me wear a dress or nice pants?"

I was shocked by her simple reply, "She asked."

What?  All it took was for me to ask?  It never occurred to me to ask my mom for an exception.  Instead, I did as I was told, grumbling much of the time.  While my outward appearance seemed obedient, my heart was defiant and discontent.

I remember Jesus teaching on this concept in His Sermon on the Mount.  "Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you." (Matthew 7:7)  Jesus went on to explain that my heavenly Father delights to give me good gifts.  The only thing that is missing is my willingness to make the request to the One who knows my needs and loves to demonstrate His love for me.  

It's not simply about asking for selfish things that will bring pleasure to my life, however.  Instead, it is about recognizing a godly desire for something more and seeking the Giver of good things to quench this thirst. (James 4:3)

If I examine my heart and find a God-honoring hunger, I can boldly ask my Father for what it is that will satisfy.

Assumptions

"It's impossible.  I might as well face it; I'm stuck with this life."  It's easy to have this kind of attitude, especially when the going gets rough or it seems my dream is unattainable.  This might have been how Russel Wilson, the young quarterback of the 2014 Super Bowl Champion Seattle Seahawks could have felt.  Instead, he chose to exercise his faith in the God of the impossible.  

At 5'11'', Wilson was often criticized as being too short to be effective as an NFL quarterback.  Instead of assuming that he couldn't do the job, though, he believed that since God had given him the talent, leadership qualities, and ability to make the decisions necessary to execute big plays on the field, why couldn't God use him despite his shorter stature.  "Why not me?" he asked, utilizing the faith his dad had cultivated in a God who knows no limits.

While it may be easy to think there is no hope, God is not limited in scope, power or vision.  The same God who parted the Red Sea as a means of escape for His people can soften the hardest of hearts.  

The same God who provided manna in the desert and brought forth life-giving water from an ordinary rock in order to sustain His people can certainly supply all my needs.  

The same God who took a wayward people who are sinful to the core and making them appear as white as snow, transforming them into His own precious possession by the blood of Jesus can shrink the tumor, heal the wounds and bind the broken heart.

If I find myself in a seemingly impossible situation, I must never assume there is no hope.

Abundance

Her marriage was a disappointment.  The man she chose to marry turned out to follow a different path than the one on which she had placed her feet.  As time went on, he became cruel and bitter, making her life anything but joyous.  She often asked herself why she had settled for such a man instead of waiting for the best God had to offer.  Instead, she took what she could get, afraid there would be nothing better from which to choose.

How often women do settle for mediocre when they could have a man who loves God wholeheartedly and would treat them like a precious gem. While I am not writing a guide on how to find the mate God has for you, it does remind me of a tendency I often have to settle for an existence instead of a rich life.

Jesus promised me a full, abundant life as I follow Him. (John 10:10) Instead of living in such a rich, fruitful orchard, however, I often find myself in the desert.  Why?  It could be because I follow my own sinful desires instead of taking advantage of the benefit I've got within to walk according to God's indwelling Spirit.  When I do what comes naturally, my heart is filled with strife, bitterness and ambition.  When I instead yield to His work in my life, I find joy, peace and love overflowing in my heart. (Galatians 5:19-23)

Other times, my dull and meaningless life could be the result of going after the things that please me.  Every time I reach another goal, I find myself wanting more, desiring to go higher.  If I instead decide to pay attention to God's calling on my life, doing the things He prepared in advance for me to do, I would find a sense of purpose and meaning I never before realized.  Pleasing God gives me pleasure as I slip into the role God originally designed for me to fill.

Then there are the time when my life consists of a series of duties to fulfill, effort to be made, and obligations to meet.  In place of waking up each morning with the distinct sense that my slate is wiped clean and His mercies are delivered anew, a heavy weight crushes me with the guilt of all the ways I have fallen short. (Lamentations 3:22-23) If I instead accept the complete forgiveness that is mine through faith in Jesus Christ, I will find a freedom from the shame that I can't seem to live as I should.  Following my shepherd as a trusting sheep is much easier than trying to be as good as I think I should be in order to meet that standard that is impossible to reach.  (Matthew 11:28-30)

If I find myself living in a dry desert instead of in a luscious garden, I can open my hands to receive the abundant life I've been promised.

It's easy to take what I've been given without ever imagining there could be more.  Instead of simply gritting my teeth and hunkering down for the remainder of my life, I could do as the daughters of Zelophehad beautifully demonstrated and ask for the good gifts God delights in giving, believe that anything is possible with the Lord, and seek the abundant life He has promised.  In these ways I will get to see that the Lord is a God who values His people above His law.  

As I begin this day it is my prayer that I can stop putting limits on God.

When do I assume there is nothing better available and give up hope?

How do I settle for mediocre when God has spectacular planned for me?