Psalm 34:1-8 (NRSV)
Read Psalm 34:1-8 on biblegateway.com
Verse 1I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
Verse 2My soul makes its boast in the Lord; let the humble hear and be glad.
Verse 3O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together.
Verse 4I sought the Lord, and he answered me, and delivered me from all my fears.
Verse 5Look to him, and be radiant; so your faces shall never be ashamed.
Verse 6This poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble.
Verse 7The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.
Verse 8O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.
Devotion
Taste and see that the Lord is good, says Psalm 34. Reading through the first eight verses of this psalm, however, begs the question, “taste what?” The psalm never mentions food. Instead, its author praises the help of God in difficult times, saying thankfully, "this poor soul cried, and was heard by the Lord, and was saved from every trouble."
"It’s so good you could almost taste it," you might say of something wonderful. Isn’t that true of God’s salvation as well? It’s so good we could almost taste it. In fact, we can taste it, in the bread and wine of the Lord’s Supper. We can taste the Word of God, the hope and promises we hear in Jesus. Taste and see, indeed. The Lord is good.
Prayer
God of life, your Word is our hope and our salvation. Keep it vibrant and living in us so that the world may taste and see that you are good, for Jesus’ sake. Amen.