Have you ever read a passage in scripture and wondered what God meant when he wrote it? I love to read from the book of Psalms. I try to read three to five chapters every day as I prepare for the day. I enjoy verses that say things like; “Bless the Lord, Oh my soul…” or “He is my rock and my strong tower.” But every once and a while you run into a verse that leaves you wondering. You understand it but just do not know how or when it might be applicable to your life. One such verse is Psalms 34:8; “Taste and see that the Lord is good.”
My family and I are new to Alaska. One year ago we stepped onto a plane in Belgium and stepped into a journey that would change our lives. We entered the US in Orlando, Florida and spent a few days with family. Then we loaded up our car, packed a 10 x 10 pop-up camper and hit the road. Three teenagers, two adults and a faithful cocker spaniel named Max headed north to Alaska.
We had a lot of interesting adventures alone the way. One such brought this verse to mind. We had just crossed the border of Montana from Wyoming. We were racing a storm that was coming up from behind. We needed enough time to get the pop-up camper set up and dinner made before the storm hit so we raced ahead into the dark looking for the right place as the raging storm chased us. The campground that we finally found fit our needs and we were able to set up in time even though it was dark. We all fell asleep to the sound of the rain hitting the roof, it was soothing and we all slept well.
The next morning I awoke with the sun and the sound of birds greeting the dawn. The rest of the family was asleep save my loyal friend Max. I made a cup of vanilla macadamia nut Kona coffee and clipped the leash on good ole’ Max. We stepped out into the day, he and I, not knowing what to expect but the coffee would hopefully make anything good.
The scene that greeted me took my breath away. I was standing there just outside the camper in my Spider-Man pajamas and coffee in hand; and I was rooted to the ground. Across the valley on the other side of the highway was a large open field. The sun was coming up over a hill behind me painting the scene with warm rich colors of yellow and brown. In that field a herd of twenty or so horses where galloping through the morning. There was no care or worry in them; they were running because they could. The stallion leaned his head back, mane flowing behind, neighed to the sky. It was right at that moment that the verse, “Taste and see…” came flooding into my mind. With tears flowing I could only give thanks to God for his wild and crazy love that He gave to me. That moment was crafted for me and me alone. I have tasted the Lord found Him not only good but fantastic. This week look for those moments that God gives you to taste and see that He is good.
Pastor AL Weeks and his family serves in First Baptist Church of Kenai. They are a warm fellowship of believers that are committed to speaking the truth in love. Join them Sunday mornings at 10:45 am.
