The God of Flavor and Favor
by Marianna Meachen, Chaplain and Director of Care Ministries
Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him. (Psalm 34:8)
I am fascinated by people who take photos of their food and post on social media. I have read different explanations for this practice––from it enhancing the flavor of the food by increasing the anticipation of eating, to it being a ritualistic form of grace before meals.
The scripture for today begins with “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” What does it mean to taste the Lord? Don’t we already know that He is good? To taste seems to be an invitation to draw close to God, first inhaling the aroma of God. We also find in Ephesians 5:2 that we are to walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us “as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.”
As that fragrance lingers in our hearts, especially during this 40-Day Fast, we then marinate in it and experience His love and the goodness surrounding Him. His goodness is protection, strength, direction, peace, forgiveness, wisdom, and so much more.
When we trust God, we turn to Him, take refuge in Him whether or not those situation or circumstances are good or bad. We go to Him for the little things in life, as well as the big ones,. And sometimes, leaning on God during those hard situations are when we truly taste and see His goodness the most.
When we depend on God and willingly look to Him to meet our needs, provide all of our needs, He calls us blessed and surrounds us with His favor. Interestingly as He invites us to taste and see that He is good, He entreats us to be the salt of the earth, to reflect to others what He freely gives us.
With so many references of God’s love and goodness with words that are food-based, it makes me think that my favorite photo that is often used to represent Christ is the photo of bread and wine, and He as the host of the table.
Prayer: Abba Father, thank You that You give yourself continually that I might see, smell, and taste Your goodness. Let it stir the juices of my heart to be more like You, deeply experience Your love daily, and share Your love with all, so that the world might know You as well. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen
