Taste and See the Goodness of the Lord
A Reflection for a Peaceful Week
Welcome to Weekly Peace
As we begin a new week, Psalm 34 invites us to experience the goodness of God - not just as a truth to be believed but as a reality to be embraced. David, writing from a place of deliverance, calls us to taste and see that the Lord is good. This psalm is a song of praise, a testimony of God’s faithfulness, and a call to trust in his unfailing provision.
No matter what this past week has held, and regardless of what the coming days may bring, this psalm reminds us that God is near. He hears our cries, he delivers us from trouble, and he is our refuge in every storm. As you reflect on this passage, may your heart be strengthened, your spirit renewed, and your faith deepened in the goodness of the Lord.
This Week’s Text
1 I will bless the Lord at all times;
his praise shall continually be in my mouth.
2 My soul makes its boast in the Lord;
let the humble hear and be glad.
3 Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
and let us exalt his name together!4 I sought the Lord, and he answered me
and delivered me from all my fears.
5 Those who look to him are radiant,
and their faces shall never be ashamed.
6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him
and saved him out of all his troubles.
7 The angel of the Lord encamps
around those who fear him, and delivers them.8 Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!
Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!
9 Oh, fear the Lord, you his saints,
for those who fear him have no lack!
10 The young lions suffer want and hunger;
but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing.11 Come, O children, listen to me;
I will teach you the fear of the Lord.
12 What man is there who desires life
and loves many days, that he may see good?
13 Keep your tongue from evil
and your lips from speaking deceit.
14 Turn away from evil and do good;
seek peace and pursue it.15 The eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous
and his ears toward their cry.
16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil,
to cut off the memory of them from the earth.
17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears
and delivers them out of all their troubles.
18 The Lord is near to the brokenhearted
and saves the crushed in spirit.19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous,
but the Lord delivers him out of them all.
20 He keeps all his bones;
not one of them is broken.
21 Affliction will slay the wicked,
and those who hate the righteous will be condemned.
22 The Lord redeems the life of his servants;
none of those who take refuge in him will be condemned.(Psalm 34)
The Call to Praise and Trust
David begins this psalm with a commitment: “I will bless the Lord at all times; his praise shall continually be in my mouth.” This isn’t just a response to good circumstances but a decision to praise God in every season. True peace comes not from a life free of trouble but from a heart that trusts in the Lord, regardless of the situation.
The invitation to “magnify the Lord” is a call to shift our focus from our problems to the greatness of God. We don’t make God bigger by magnifying him; rather, we see him more clearly. As J.C. Ryle once wrote, “The cure for a weak faith is to think more of the object of faith, and less of our faith itself.” When we lift our eyes to God, fear fades, and peace takes its place.
Taste and See His Goodness
One of the most well-known verses of this psalm is verse 8: “Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him!” This is an invitation not just to know about God’s goodness but to experience it firsthand. Just as tasting food requires personal engagement, so too does faith. We’re called not to observe from a distance but to draw near and trust in his provision.
This goodness doesn’t mean a life without hardship. Verse 19 acknowledges that “many are the afflictions of the righteous.” Yet, the promise that follows is what gives us peace: “The Lord delivers him out of them all.” Our security isn’t in avoiding trials but in knowing that God walks with us through them, sustaining and strengthening us.
The Nearness of the Lord
Perhaps the most comforting truth in Psalm 34 is found in verse 18: “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” God doesn’t remain distant in our struggles. He draws close, offering his presence as our refuge.
When fears and anxieties arise, we can rest in the assurance that we’re never alone. The same God who set the stars in place bends down to hear the cries of his people. He sees, he knows, and he cares. The nearness of God isn’t based on our feelings but on his unwavering faithfulness.
As you enter this new week, take time to taste and see his goodness. Let his promises steady your heart. Trust in his nearness, knowing that he walks with you through every moment ahead.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I praise you for your goodness that never fails. You invite me to taste and see that you are good, to trust in your provision, and to rest in your love. Thank you for hearing my cries, drawing near to my heart, and being my refuge in every season of life. No matter what this week holds, I choose to bless your name and magnify your greatness.
As I step into this new week, fill my heart with peace that surpasses understanding. Let your presence be my comfort, your promises my foundation, and your goodness my joy. Help me to walk in trust, to seek you first, and to rest in the assurance that you’re always near. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
A Final Word
This Weekly Peace devotional reminds us that God’s goodness isn’t just something to know but something to experience. Psalm 34 invites us to trust in his provision, rest in his nearness, and praise him at all times. Even when trials come, we have the assurance that he hears, he delivers, and he’s our refuge.
As you begin this week, take time to taste and see his goodness. Open your heart to his peace, magnify his greatness, and rest in the knowledge that he’s with you always.
May the peace of Christ be with you this week.
Click Like, Share, and Subscribe
If this devotional has blessed you, please take a moment to like, share, and subscribe so others can find encouragement as well.
🎧 Prefer to listen instead of read? Weekly Peace is available as a podcast! Tune in to the “Walking Points” podcast on your favorite podcast platform for a calming time of Scripture, reflection, and prayer - perfect for preparing your heart for a peaceful week.
For more resources on spiritual growth and encouragement, visit Walking Points, where you’ll find devotionals, discipleship tools, and biblical insights to strengthen your faith.