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

This verse caught my eye during quiet time recently. I especially liked how it encourages us to “taste and see” – rather than just “see”!

The act of seeing can occur from further away, but to taste something implies a greater intimacy. It’s like putting a delicious morsel of food into your mouth to savour it and enjoy being nourished.

via GIPHY
What we see is easily clouded by anxiety, fear and struggles. But it’s much, much harder to forget what you’ve tasted.

There are tastes in this world that are unforgettable. Think about your favourite dishes which your mother cooks for you. When you’ve truly tasted the goodness of God – it’s even better than that. Unforgettable.

The deepest loves are tasted on the mountaintops, and tested in the darkest valleys.

The earliest recollection of God’s goodness in my life was when I was around 10 to 12. I remember being embroiled in a shouting match with my father, which ended when I retreated to my room – filled with fear.

I still remember ducking under the covers, loudly weeping to God: “Why me?” And at that very moment, God comforted me by speaking in my heart: “Your parents are human, but I am the Perfect Father. Where they have failed you – I will not.”

via GIPHY
Whenever I have doubts about my faith, God brings me back to that night – where I tasted of His love and comfort.

That taste of God keeps us going forward. Even if we only had a small one, we must keep walking by faith that one day we will taste it in fullness. We will know and have the sweetness in everlasting measure, when we finally see God face to face.

So whether you’re in a dry season where you cannot hear the voice of God, or struggling with hard existential questions – never forget that taste of God.

Whether you’re bogged down with thoughts of giving up, or caught in that very moment of grave temptation – never forget that taste of God!

The deepest loves are tasted on the mountaintops, and tested in the darkest valleys.

Bank on the firm hope that one day, all the bitterness of your present struggles will be erased by the exceeding sweetness that comes with knowing God face-to-face.

This article was first published on Weiren’s blog, and is republished with permission.