Taste and see?

By Elizabeth Prata

O taste and see that Yahweh is good; How blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8)

As a Christian, we don’t have simply a mental assent that God is good. It’s not just a cognitive comprehension.

For example, we can know a certain dish is good, maybe Shepherd’s Pie. We can see the list of ingredients in the recipe and know that its culmination will be tasty. We can see photos of the completed dish and see it is good.

But when we taste it, THEN the item comes inside is to be digested and its goodness applied to every organ. We are then absorbing it into our whole body, its goodness is sent along the bloodstream, and its good properties applied to every part of our body.

When we taste something we are experiencing it in its entirety. See two old time Commenters on the Psalm 34 ‘taste and see’:

Barnes’ Notes on the Bible,
The word “taste” here – טעם ṭâ‛am – means properly to try the flavor of anything, Job 12:11; to eat a little so as to ascertain what a thing is, 1 Samuel 14:24, 1 Samuel 14:29, 1 Samuel 14:43; Jonah 3:7; and then to perceive by the mind, to try, to experience, Proverbs 31:18.

Gill’s Exposition,
in conversion a new taste is given, so as to have a saving experimental knowledge of the grace and goodness of God in Christ, an application of it to them; and in such manner as to live upon it, and be nourished by it; and though this is not a superficial taste of things, like that of hypocrites, nor a single one only, being frequently repeated; yet it is but a taste in comparison of the enjoyment of it in the heavenly state; and every taste now influences and engages trust in the Lord

Here is a resource along those lines: a book by pastor Nate Pickowicz, “How to Eat Your Bible: A Simple Approach to Learning and Loving the Word of God”.

Blurb:
Loving God means loving His Word.
If you’re feeling distant from God, could it be because you’re ignoring His Word? But maybe you don’t know where to start. Maybe the long books and strange names feel overwhelming. Maybe you just don’t like reading. Whatever the case, How to Eat Your Bible will help you cultivate an appetite for life-long study of God’s Word. Find practical guidance for overcoming the hurdles that have kept you from making Bible study a regular part of your life. You’ll also become encouraged to pursue God’s Word by learning how other Christians throughout time maintained this crucial practice. Pastor Nate Pickowicz also includes a unique Seven Year Bible Plan so that you can apply what you’ve learned and continue drawing near to God as you consume His Word.

Consume the banquet of His word. I need to do that myself. School starting a few weeks ago has hit me hard and I’m often tired both in the morning and in the evening. I have been spotty with tasting that that Lord is good. His word when consumed, goes into the brain and then the Holy Spirit applies the Living and Active word to my living body. He illuminates it to my mind and it circulates in my whole being, finally resting in my beating heart, now a permanent part of me. Why do I leave off absorbing the word of God? It is a fine meal.