Blessed Are Those Who Trust In The Lord
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the man who trusts in Him!” (Psalm 34:8)
Have you ever tasted a food so good, you just wanted to keep eating it? And as days went by, the thought of that food kept returning to your mind almost to the point it made your mouth water until you had it again? For me, I would have to say it was steamed dumplings. I had tasted it and loved it and I remember one day I was driving home and the thought of them kept running through my mind so much, I had to order some. Thankfully, it’s not still like that or I’d have a big problem on my hands…and body!
“Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good…”
What exactly does that mean, especially in recovery? To taste something means that you tried or experienced it. Another meaning is to examine by touching and feeling. Prior to recovery, there was something you tasted that was so good to you, you continuously went back for more because your mind couldn’t stop thinking about it and your body craved it. It could have been drugs, alcohol, food, gambling, shopping, sex, pornography, or anything that seemed good to you at the time. It fed you and seemingly nourished you, but in the wrong way which causes destruction – destruction of the mind, of the body and in relationships. But, once you come to Christ and you get a taste of His Word, you now see that the Lord is good and your mind is filled with His goodness. And once your mind is filled with His goodness, you begin to crave it and want to read more and pray more and change the way you think and act. This craving, however, will not destroy you physically, spiritually, emotionally or destroy any relationships because the Word nurtures us and helps us to grow and become healthy people. If you do see a relationship struggle, it’s only because the other person has not tasted the nourishment of the Lord to see that He is good and this is where patience and prayer comes into play. There will be those who wish to stay in their old ways and that is where you must make a choice…to continue on with the Lord or remain in that place with that person who does not want to move forward. You must make a choice.
“blessed is the man who trusts in Him!“
Whenever I want to study a verse, I like to check out different bible versions to see how it is written. The NLT (New Living Translation) is a little bit different for the second half of the verse and states the following:
“Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!“
When we taste and see that God is good, we will be blessed and have joy when we put our trust in Him and take refuge in Him. No matter what problems we are going through, no matter what storm is around us, we will have internal peace because God’s Word nourishes us, strengthens us and keeps us healthy spiritually, emotionally and even physically at times. This means that even in the harshest of storms, you won’t need to reach for the old things that gave you temporary peace and comfort. The point being that its a temporary fix…a fix that can harm you. But once you’ve gotten a taste of God and His Word, you will find permanent peace and comfort because you take refuge in Him and trust Him.
Here’s the thing. Anyone can tell you how great God is and how His Word is a living Word (Hebrews 4:12) that not only nourishes and strengthens you, but can break any chain that keeps you bound to an addiction or negative thought. BUT until YOU taste and see and experience the Lord for yourself, what you are told won’t have an impact on you until YOU make a decision to turn to Him and taste His Word.
What is happening with you today? Have you already tasted of the Lord’s Word and have experienced His goodness, but the storms around you are strong and fear is calling you back to your old ways for that temporary comfort?
Galatians 5:1 – Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage.
1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
Are you at the bottom looking up and unable to get out of the pit you have fallen into?
Matthew 11:28-29 – Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Psalm 34:4-7 – I sought the Lord, and He heard me, and delivered me from all my fears. They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. This poor man cried out, and the Lord heard him, and saved him out of all his troubles. The angel of the Lord encamps all around those who fear Him, and delivers them.
Are you contemplating turning to God during your storm and want to seek Him but afraid of the what ifs…“what if He isn’t real? What if He doesn’t help me? What if I’m not good enough due to my sins?”
Jeremiah 29:11-14 – For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity…
Proverbs 8:17 – I love those who love me, and those who seek me diligently will find me.
Isaiah 55:6-7 – Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously.
For those who are struggling with staying the course, don’t turn back! Look back at your mile markers to see all the times you have struggled and called out to God and He got you through it. Remain steadfast in prayer and reading God’s Word, and He will see you through it.
For those who are in that pit of despair and darkness and are afraid…just call out to God and reach up your hand and he will pull you out! No matter what negativity you see, read or hear at this time, reshift your focus to Christ and be determined to trust in Him. Many of us have been there and know exactly where you are and how you feel. We have made it to the other side of that fear and despair and can confirm…there is another side…a side of healing, joy, love, comfort and peace. You just have to be persistent in your walk and work through the fear by praying and reading the Bible. Most importantly…never stop moving! God knows where you are and how you feel because He never loses track of us. He will guide you out.
For those contemplating turning to God but are afraid of the what ifs – Many have been there too. We have been at our worst and thought “there was no way God could love or forgive me for what I’ve done”. Not true! Our God is a loving and forgiving God:
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us [our] sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Jeremiah 3:12-13 – “Return, faithless Israel,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will frown on you no longer, for I am faithful,’ declares the Lord, ‘I will not be angry forever. Only acknowledge your guilt…”
God only wants for you to turn to Him, confess your wrong doings, repent (turn away from the sin) and accept His free gift of salvation. You don’t need to be perfect to come to Him. None of us were perfect when we came to Christ. None of us are perfect even now. We still have our days when we make mistakes, but Jesus is forgiving when we go to Him, confess and work at not doing it again. The only time we fail is when we stay down and quit. But when we get up and continue on again, we will overcome because Christ will strengthen us:
Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me“
Don’t let another day go by. Turn to Jesus and accept His free gift of salvation!
Romans 10:9-10 – If you declare with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.
For those who have remained steadfast during your storm…great job! Remain focused on Christ and NEVER stop moving! Never give the enemy a chance to catch up! Never remove your armor (Ephesians 6:10-17), stand firm in the Word and pray without ceasing. Lift up those who are tired and fearful and help them to keep moving. God is with you.