Living Water #689

LIVING WATER – EPISODE 689 || 23RD APRIL, 2026

By Solomon Uwumbolibe Mensah

TASTE AND SEE THAT THE LORD IS GOOD

Scripture Reading: Psalm 34:8-9

"Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. Fear the Lord, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing."

Psalm 34 is a testimony of God's faithfulness and goodness. These words were spoken by David after he experienced God's deliverance in a time of great distress. Rather than merely telling people about God, David invites them to experience Him personally. The Christian life is not simply about hearing about God's goodness from others; it is about encountering His goodness for ourselves. In these verses, David presents three important truths: we are called to taste and see that the Lord is good, to take refuge in Him, and to fear Him, knowing that those who fear Him will lack nothing.

1.    Taste and see that the Lord is good. Taste is an experience that cannot be delegated to someone else. No one can taste food on our behalf, and likewise no one can experience God for us. We may hear testimonies, listen to sermons, and read the Scriptures, but there comes a time when we must personally encounter the Lord. God's goodness is revealed through His mercy, forgiveness, provision, guidance, protection, and salvation. Many people know facts about God, but God desires that we know Him intimately. When we trust Him, obey His Word, and walk closely with Him, we begin to experience His goodness in ways that transform our lives. Even during difficult seasons, God's goodness remains constant, and those who seek Him discover that He is faithful in every circumstance.

2.    Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.  A refuge is a place of safety, shelter, and protection during times of danger. Throughout life, people face challenges, disappointments, uncertainties, sicknesses, and trials that can shake their confidence. Yet God presents Himself as a refuge for His people. He is a strong tower, a fortress, and a hiding place in times of trouble. However, a refuge can only provide safety when we choose to enter it. Many know that God is able to help them, but they do not place their trust in Him. Taking refuge in God means relying on Him completely and believing His promises even when circumstances seem difficult. Those who trust in the Lord experience peace in the midst of storms, strength during weakness, and hope when situations appear hopeless. The blessing promised in this verse belongs to those who make God their shelter and security.

3.    Fear the Lord, you his holy people. The fear of the Lord is not a fear that drives us away from God; rather, it is a reverent respect, honor, and awe for who He is. It is recognizing His holiness, His power, and His authority over our lives. When we fear the Lord, we seek to please Him in our thoughts, words, and actions. The fear of the Lord produces wisdom because it guides us to make choices that align with God's will. It also produces holiness because those who truly honor God desire to live lives that reflect His character. A person who fears the Lord will seek integrity, purity, righteousness, and obedience. Such a life demonstrates genuine reverence for God and brings glory to His name.

4.    For those who fear him lack nothing. This does not mean that believers will possess every luxury or desire they can imagine. Rather, it means that God faithfully provides everything necessary for those who trust and obey Him. The Lord knows our needs even before we ask Him, and He is committed to caring for His children. God's provision may come in different forms, but it is always sufficient. Beyond material needs, God provides peace, wisdom, strength, grace, direction, and His abiding presence. The greatest blessing we can ever receive is God Himself. When we have His presence in our lives, we possess a treasure greater than anything this world can offer. Those who fear the Lord learn contentment because they trust His wisdom and timing, knowing that He will never fail to provide what is best for them.

This passage presents both an invitation and a promise. We are invited to taste and experience the goodness of God personally. We are encouraged to take refuge in Him during every trial and challenge. We are called to fear the Lord with reverence and obedience. As we do these things, we discover the truth of God's promise that those who fear Him lack nothing. Today, God invites us not merely to know about Him but to know Him personally. May we draw near to Him, trust Him completely, honor Him faithfully, and experience the fullness of His goodness in every area of our lives.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, I thank You for Your goodness, mercy, and faithfulness. Help me to experience Your presence in a deeper way and to trust You completely in every situation. Teach me to run to You as my refuge and to live in reverent fear of Your holy name. Provide for every need in my life and help me to be content in Your perfect provision. May I continually taste and see that You are good and may my life bring glory and honor to You. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.