Taste and See--Posted 05/17/2006
David told Israel in Psalm 34:4-8, "I sought the Lord, and he heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked unto
him, and were enlightened: and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out
of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encampeth round about them that fear Him, and delivereth them. O taste and see that
the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in Him."
How could David say this?
What miracle had taken place that would inspire David to make such a proclamation?
He had just escaped sure death at the hands of King Achish.
David realized there was no other answer but to turn to God in his time of distress. There was no other way out except by God's
help.
"I sought the Lord..."
Many today are seeking help in various venues. Psychiatrists and psychologists' appointment books are full. There are
"groups" for every imaginable problem in life.
Yes, counseling can be helpful. Yes, stress can be alleviated by "talking to someone", but these resources should never
replace God's role as the "True Counselor".
Isaiah prophesied in chapter 9, verse 6, of Christ fulfilling that very role, "...and His name shall be called...Counsellor..."
David knew where to turn when problems arose in life. He said in verse 6 of the text, "This poor man cried..."
This poor man.
David was in dire straits. He was held captive by the enemy. There was no sign of light at the end of the tunnel for David. In his
mind, all hope was lost.
So what could he do?
David could do nothing to help himself. Without "Divine Intervention", David was headed for sure destruction.
My friend, if you feel trapped, if you feel bound, if you feel as if you're held captive...by anything...you need to find a way out.
What is the answer, you ask.
A songwriter worded it so well when he wrote, "Then the answer came, when I started praying."
You may feel that you are at "the end of your rope". Maybe you've tried religion.
Many are searching for the right way.
The Gospel writer John quoted Christ Himself in chapter 14 verse 6, "I (Jesus) am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh
unto the Father, but by me." (emphasis mine)
David lived his life with the knowledge that God is the answer.
You may say, "Preacher, I've never tried God. How can I know that He (God) is what I need?"
The great man of God, David, encouraged all of Israel to put their trust in the Lord. In verse 8 of the text, David exclaimed, "O
taste and see that the Lord is good..." David was speaking from experience of God's faithfulness in time of need.
Note the following examples from Scripture of David's confidence in God as his problem-solver.
Psalm 18:2 -- "The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler,
and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower."
Psalm 18:6 -- "In my distress I called upon the Lord, and cried unto my God: He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry
came before Him, even unto His ears."
Psalm 18:30 -- "As for God, His way is perfect: the word of the Lord is tried: He is a buckler to all those who trust in Him."
Psalm 28:7 -- "The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped..."
Psalm 33:18, 19 -- "Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon them that fear Him, upon them that hope in His mercy; To deliver their
soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine."
Psalm 37:14 -- "The righteous cry, and the Lord heareth and delivereth them out of all their troubles."
Recall the battle between David and the giant Goliath. David could have relied on the suggestions of those around him
concerning this confrontation with Goliath. King Saul advised David to wear his (King Saul's) armor to face the giant.
At approximately 9 and 1/2 feet tall, known as a champion of the Philistines, Goliath was nearly undefeatable. Saul's armor
would have done nothing to protect David from this giant.
Psychiatrists will prescribe medication that, they say, will allow you to face your problems better.
Psychologists will counsel you to find strength from within to help you overcome life's trials.
David knew where real strength could be found.
I Samuel 17:45 -- "Then said David to the Philistine, Thou comest to me with a sword, and with a spear, and with a shield: but I
come to thee in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom thou hast defied."
GOD IS THE ANSWER!
Verse 6 of the text again said, "This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of ALL his troubles." (emphasis
mine)
This preacher can tell you from experience that that is a true statement.
I can easily say, "O taste and see that the Lord is good."
How can I so confidently say that?
Because I have.
Have you?
II Corinthians 6:2 says, "...behold, NOW is the accepted time; behold, NOW is the day of salvation." (emphasis mine)