Experiencing the Lord’s Goodness

Tasting the Lord’s goodness isn’t theoretical—it’s as real and satisfying as a meal shared in joyful trust.

So much of modern Christian teaching can subtly drift into the realm of information—principles to memorize, doctrines to debate, definitions to defend. But the Scriptures keep pulling us back to relationship. Grace and peace aren’t academic subjects; they are multiplied to us in relationship with Christ. The divine provisions of life and godliness aren't trophies for the shelf of our theological knowledge—they are treasures to be drawn upon for daily living.

Psalm 34:8 invites us to taste—not just theorize—that the Lord is good. This isn’t merely a statement of doctrine; it’s an invitation to experience. Like a delicious meal isn’t meant to be described but consumed, God’s goodness is meant to be taken in, trusted, and lived from. We see this repeated throughout Scripture: those who trust in the Lord are blessed, satisfied, kept in peace, and filled with joy. His goodness isn’t theoretical—it is real, rich, and relational.

And what draws that goodness into our experience? Trust. Not effort, not striving, not introspective guilt—but a heart that simply rests its full weight on the Lord’s character and presence. As we learn to lean, He reveals His abundance. The soul who waits, the one who seeks, the one who knows His name and dares to depend—that is the one who tastes His goodness deeply.

Journal Entry – In the Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture

I invite you to taste—not merely to be informed. My goodness is not a distant echo, it is your present reality. I have drawn near, not to be studied from afar, but to be trusted in every moment. I am merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love. My mercy endures forever, and My faithfulness extends to all generations.

I have laid up great goodness for you, prepared it for the one who trusts—not for the one who performs or pleads, but for the one who rests in Me. I am your portion, your peace, your rejoicing. When your mind is fixed on Me, peace flows like a river. When your heart leans into Me, joy wells up from within.

You were never meant to carry your burdens alone. I am your help and your shield. I am the One who satisfies your soul with good things. Trust is not a leap into the dark—it is a resting in My light. And as you grow in the knowledge of who I am, you will trust more freely, more fully. Because those who know My name trust Me—and I will never forsake those who seek Me.

Scriptures woven in: Psalm 34:8; Psalm 107:1; Jeremiah 31:14; Psalm 31:19; Isaiah 26:3; Psalm 33:20-21; Romans 5:2; Lamentations 3:25; Psalm 9:10.

Prayer

Father, You have shown me again and again that Your goodness is not a reward for the diligent, but a river for the trusting. I rejoice that I don’t need to beg for what You’ve already poured into my life through Christ. I taste Your peace, I see Your goodness, and I rest in Your grace today—not because I’ve earned it, but because You are who You say You are.

May my heart keep leaning. May my eyes stay open. May I walk today as one who is fully satisfied in Your presence and expectant of Your goodness. Thank You for making this life not about my performance, but about Your presence in me. I trust You now to express that goodness through me in every encounter.

Devotional Credit:
This reflection is based on the April 19 devotional from Day by Day by Grace by Bob Hoekstra.

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