Experiencing God's Goodness
Trust and Blessing in Psalm 34:8
Psalm 34:8 reads, “O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” This verse, though concise, invites the faithful to a deep, personal experience of God's goodness, calling for both a deliberate action and the reward of trust. The psalmist David extends an invitation that transcends mere intellectual belief, urging all to actively engage with the divine and to know firsthand the blessings that come from trust in the LORD. As we examine this passage, we find an abundance of truth and spiritual insight that both encourage and challenge us in our daily walk with God.
"O taste and see": A Call to Experience
The verse begins with a bold invitation: “O taste and see.” The use of these sensory verbs reflects a call to experience God in a tangible way. The psalmist does not simply want us to acknowledge God's goodness with our minds but to personally encounter it. In this phrase, David is urging us to actively “taste,” which carries a rich connotation of engagement and participation. To taste something, we must be willing to partake of it; we must reach out and receive the nourishment that God offers.
The Bible often uses sensory language to describe spiritual experiences. We see a parallel in 1 Peter 2:3, where it says, “If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” Just as one must taste food to know its flavor, so must the believer actively engage with God's goodness to truly understand its depth. Tasting God’s goodness is an invitation to experience His grace and mercy in a personal, intimate way. The psalmist is not content with a distant, observational faith but desires an experiential relationship, where we come to know God's goodness by immersing ourselves in His Word, His promises, and His works.
"That the LORD is good": The Unchanging Nature of God
The verse continues by declaring, “that the LORD is good.” The goodness of God is a recurring theme throughout Scripture. Psalm 107:1 echoes this truth, saying, “O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good.” God’s goodness is not dependent upon our circumstances or our feelings; it is an unchanging attribute of His character. He is always good, even when our lives may be filled with trials or difficulties. The goodness of the LORD is the foundation upon which our trust is built, for we can have confidence that His intentions toward us are always for our benefit and for His glory.
David, in his life, experienced many highs and lows, yet his trust in God's goodness never wavered. From the pastures as a shepherd to the throne as a king, he learned to depend on the goodness of the LORD. As we reflect on the goodness of God, we are reminded of other Scriptures that call attention to this characteristic. Romans 2:4 tells us, “the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance.” God’s goodness is not just a passive attribute; it actively works in our lives to bring us closer to Him, to call us to repentance, and to guide us in our daily walk of faith. Every act of kindness, every moment of mercy, and every blessing that we receive from God is an outpouring of His perfect and unwavering goodness.
"Blessed is the man that trusteth in him": The Reward of Trust
The verse concludes with a powerful statement: “blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” The word “blessed” carries with it the idea of spiritual joy and contentment that comes from a life of faith and obedience to God. To be blessed is not necessarily to have material wealth or ease in life; rather, it is to possess a deep, abiding joy that comes from being in right relationship with God. Psalm 1:1 begins in a similar manner: “Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly.” Here, as in Psalm 34:8, blessedness is linked to a life lived in trust and obedience to the LORD.
Trust is more than a mere acknowledgment of God's existence; it is an active dependence upon Him. Proverbs 3:5 instructs us to, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.” Trust requires surrender—giving up our own wisdom, strength, and resources, and relying fully on God’s guidance and provision. It is in this trust that we find true blessedness. The blessings of trusting in God are not measured by the world’s standards but by the peace, joy, and spiritual strength that only God can provide.
In Psalm 34:8, the blessedness spoken of is directly tied to the act of trust. The man who places his trust in the LORD is secure in the knowledge that God is both good and faithful. He knows that, no matter what may come, God’s goodness will prevail, and His promises will be fulfilled. This man experiences the blessings of peace in the storm, joy in trials, and hope in the darkest of moments because his trust is anchored in the unchanging goodness of God.
Conclusion: The Invitation to Trust and Be Blessed
Psalm 34:8 serves as a powerful reminder that our relationship with God is not passive or distant. We are called to “taste and see”—to actively engage with the goodness of God and to experience the blessings that come from trusting in Him. God's goodness is unchanging, and the blessings of trust are real and profound for those who commit their lives to Him. As we reflect on this verse, let us accept the psalmist’s invitation to not only know about God but to experience His goodness personally, and through that experience, to find the true blessedness that comes from a life of trust in the LORD.