[musings from the manse – 23rd April 2020]
“Taste and see that the Lord is good;
blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8)
This is one of those verses from the bible which many people may know the first part of, but do not know the second half. However, as in most of the Psalms, the verses have sentences with different halves; halves mirroring each other in some way to amplify the meaning.
We tend use the words “taste and see that the Lord is good” as an invitation to praise and worship, but perhaps there is more behind these words if we take the second half of the sentence into account as well – or even the whole of the Psalm.
It is about finding a place of safety in God when troubles are surrounding us.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good” is an invitation. It is an invitation to a meal, a meal in a place of refuge, with the one who takes us in when we are struggling, when we are afraid, when we are in need of comfort. We experience, we know, we taste the Lord’s goodness as we partake of his hospitality of loving welcome.
Yours in Christ
Andy
Minister, CBC