“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him”- (Psalm 34:8).

Every child who has ever played in a school yard has heard the taunt, “Try me!” It is usually a provocative dare from a bully, meant to pick a fight. Sometimes it even comes with a shove and the words, “Feel that!” The purpose is prideful and empty.

Yet there is another kind of challenge—one that is good and life-giving. It is the Lord’s invitation.
In Psalm 26:2–3 David prays, “Test me, Lord, and try me, examine my heart and my mind; for I have always been mindful of your unfailing love and have lived in reliance on your faithfulness.” David does not challenge God out of arrogance. He opens himself to God’s searching gaze, resting in the Lord’s steadfast love and faithfulness.

God also issues a challenge to us. Through the prophet Malachi He says, “Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the Lord Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it” (Malachi 3:10). In other words, the Almighty invites us to taste Him—to step out in trusting obedience—and discover His goodness for ourselves.

So the invitation stands both ways. Like David, we may open our lives before God and ask Him to examine us. And God, in His kindness, continues to call us to put Him to the test of trust: to cast our cares on Him and watch Him respond with overflowing grace.

Reflection: If God is inviting me to taste and see that He is good, what is holding me back?

Prayer: Lord Almighty, Father God, You know me completely. Try me and examine my heart. Help me taste and see Your goodness in the land of the living. I pray this in Jesus’ name!