Taste and See That the Lord Is What?

“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8)

How beautiful is this verse! This word for taste is a wonderful word; it means “to try the flavor, to perceive the flavor, to taste something to ascertain what it is.” It is not a casual sampling. It is sensing this truth of God as a result of a trial or experience.

David is saying that he has discovered God to be good and he wants his readers to make the same discovery.

Now, why would David use the word “taste”? Why not “ponder” or “praise” or “remember”? Why this word? David chose the word “taste” because I carries the connotation of a pleasant enriching. There is a savoring and deliciousness to finding your enjoyment only in God.

Here is how Jonathan Edwards puts it: “God is glorified not only by his glory being seen, but by its being rejoiced in. When those that see it delight in it, God is more glorified than if they only see it. God made the world that he might communicate, and the creature receive, his glory . . . both with the mind and the heart. He that testifies his having an idea of God’s glory doesn’t glorify God so much as he that testifies also his approbation [i.e., his heartfelt commendation or praise] of it and his delight in it.”

He also wrote, “The enjoyment of God is the only happiness with which our souls can be satisfied. To go to heaven, fully to enjoy God, is infinitely better than the most pleasant accommodations here. Fathers and mothers, husbands, wives, or children, or the company of earthly friends, are but shadows; but God is the substance. These are but scattered beams, but God is the sun. These are but streams. But God is the ocean. Therefore it becomes us to spend this life only as a journey toward heaven, as it becomes us to make the seeking of our highest end and proper good, the whole work of our lives; to which we should subordinate all other concerns of life. Why would be labour for, or set our hearts on, any thing else, but that which is our proper end, and true happiness.”

In God’s presence is fullness of joy (Psalm 16:11).

God is not hidden away on some holy mountain. He is very near us. We all have access to Him and His goodness. And He showers blessings on those who taste Him and experience His goodness.

We all seek happiness, as Blaise Pascal said. But what David says here is that genuine happiness is found in God. If you don’t believe, take a taste and you will see.