At one point or another, we have experienced times when we’ve given rave reviews about a thing/place/person/food item only to have someone come back and say their experience was horrible. What went wrong? Everyone has their own likes/dislikes.
But what about the Lord? We all know people who say, “Oh, church isn’t for me.” Did God not “work” for them? No, it’s definitely not God’s fault. It’s more like they wanted to keep their own ways and still receive from God what they wanted. The Lord is not a magician or an eternal butler, standing at the ready to meet our every whim and fancy.
Why do people turn their noses up to Jesus? They don’t want Jesus on His terms. Yes, He’s Good. Yes, He’s the center of our joy. But He calls the shots so some won’t experience the “O taste and see that the Lord is good.”
By the time God got done working in the lives of Job, Esther, Hannah, Naomi, and Ruth, the Israelites on the other side of the Red Sea, the disciples after experiencing the resurrected Jesus, Stephen while being stoned to death after preaching what God gave him, and more, each one experienced the intimate understanding of “O taste and see that the Lord is good.”
And then there’s you and I. Without a doubt, I know God has worked over and over and over again in our lives. And He’s not through working. He’ll continue working despite the devastation, heartache, headache, financial burdens, health complications, and strenuous relationships. I’m thankful for knowing for myself that the Lord is worthy of all praise.
The following situation came to mind while preparing this devotional. One day, my daughter and I went to a local grocery store and picked up a few items. While waiting in the checkout line to pay for our items, a lady in front of us was checking out. She smiled at me and said, “It would be nice if you would pay for my groceries.” I said, “I’m sorry, I wish I could do that but I can’t. However, I can pray for God to bless you.”
Why did I say that? She huffed and said, “I’m an atheist!!” I smiled and replied, “Oh, that’s okay, I will still pray for you. God will hear my request for you!!” She grumbled, snatched her bags, and marched out of the store. I chuckled because she was the one who started the conversation in the first place. I was serious when I told her I would pray for her, and I did, right there, while she was in front of me. Her negative reviews of our Lord doesn’t change the truth that He is still God, good, merciful and a provider even of every breath we breathe.
8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him. (Psalms 34:8 KJV)
In the Master’s Service,
Author/Pastor Michele D Robertson
28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (KJV)