DON’T GIVE THE ENEMY A SEAT AT YOUR TABLE: TASTE

Each day we move closer to Resurrection Day and the power of new life! In our sermon series Don’t Give the Enemy A Seat at Your Table, we turn to a simple reality that is contained in Psalm 34:8: “Taste and see that the LORD is good….” In the sermon, Taste, we recognize that our experience of God will determine our sense of hope, joy, and peace. When we experience God’s goodness and power for ourselves, we realize that God is truly the Good Shepherd who wants to give us an abundant life! We do not have to look far to see the misery of the world around us. Despair, fear, and uncertainty have been our diet and it is painfully apparent. We find ourselves disillusioned and struggling to find hope. How can we taste and see if the Lord is good? We turn to Psalm 34:1-9. King David celebrates God’s deliverance from a life-threatening situation.  This warrior King was reminded that God’s goodness and power had been with him in the difficulty of life and in the heat of the battle. This was true, not just for him, but he had seen this happen for many other people! These words are a witness to all of us that God invites us to find his power, rather than our pessimism; his joy rather than our judgment; faith in him rather than being overwhelmed with fear. It is our prayer that you will find this power at our work in your life.  As you read these words, may you experience your heart and spirit being lifted into the radiant light of God’s presence! Psalm 34:1-9: Of David. When he pretended to be insane before Abimelek, who drove him away, and he left. I will extol the LORD at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. ² I will glory in the LORD; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. ³ Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. ⁴ I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. ⁵ Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. ⁶ This poor man called, and the LORD heard him; he saved him out of all his troubles. ⁷ The angel of the LORD encamps around those who fear him, and he delivers them. ⁸ Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him. ⁹ Fear the LORD, you his holy people, for those who fear him lack nothing. (NIV)