Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
Oh, fear the LORD, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing.
Psalm 34:8-10
Abundance in God
When I’m trying to get my three-year-old to try his vegetables–or any new food, I’ll often say, “James, just taste it.” I’m asking him to just have a nibble. I want him to try only the tiniest portion so he can see if he likes it.
This is not what David is inviting us into. Often, when we think of a taste, we think of the samples handed out at Costco. It’s just enough to intrigue us so that we’ll buy the full portion. David isn’t sending us to Costco’s samples; he’s inviting us over for Thanksgiving dinner. The table is set, the turkey is carved, and there’s more to feast on than you can possibly take in.
David isn’t sending us to Costco’s samples; he’s inviting us over for Thanksgiving dinner. The table is set, the turkey is carved, and there’s more to feast on than you can possibly take in.
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The first part of v.8 is the most well known (“taste and see”), but it’s the rest of the verses that fill out why this is an invitation to a banquet and not a crumble. These verses are packed with wholeness and abundance.
Those who take “refuge” in God are called blessed (v.8b). A refuge is a safe shelter. It’s not like when you sneak your head under the umbrella, but the rest of you is getting drenched. You’re under the whole thing. In fact, you’re inside and entirely out of the rain. “Refuge” provokes an image of full shelter, not just a bit. It’s complete safety, not continued fear.
Those at the banquet lack fear because they’ve gained fear (v.9). You no longer fear what is without because you have a holy fear of him who resides within. With an appropriate view of God, an awe and reverence (fear), you find your wants and needs are calibrated appropriately. With God as your refuge, you’re able to see that he has not neglected to provide you one thing that you need. He has supplied for everything. Sure, some wants haven’t been given, but they all begin to melt away in the presence of the God who is.
This is only highlighted when it’s contrasted against v.10. The young lions–the strong and seemingly capable–are hungry. But those who seek after the LORD, those who come under his refuge and dine at the banquet table, lack nothing good.
Lead by Feasting
Jesus, of course, exemplified this in his life. He lived in a perfect relationship with the Father. His very food was to do the Father’s will (John 4:34).
John Onwuchekwa often says that what we as leaders do in moderation, those who follow us will do in excess. Whether you know it or not, you’re a leader. People are watching your life and making judgments about who God is based upon your actions.
If you’re only going to the banquet for a nibble, those who follow you won’t even come to the table.
If you’ve moved out of his refuge and across town, those who follow you will move out of state.
One of the best ways to lead is to show those within your influence that you need God. Show that you’re utterly dependent upon him. If he’s your refuge, lead by leaning upon him in prayer. If he’s not withheld any good thing from you, then show others by showering God with thanksgiving for all that he’s given.
“Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good!”
The Drawing Board 