The Power of Savoring

Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8

REFLECTION

by Mary Alice McGinnis

Picture in your mind the best meal you have ever experienced. What was the occasion? What aromas filled the air? What did the meal look like on the plate—did vibrant reds or creamy whites stand out? Was the texture crisp, velvety, or something else? What sounds surrounded you? Was there a sizzle of a frying pan, or the voices of loved ones?

I read a WebMD article recently which talks about the practice of “savoring” and the science behind how it can help us deal with depression, grief and even addiction.

The article says, “Savoring means slowing down to notice and enjoy small moments.”

As we “notice sounds, colors, smells, textures, and tastes,” the article invites us to, "relish and bask in that positive inner feeling, allowing it to grow and intensify."

I find it fascinating that what science calls a “new discovery” reflects insights that our Master Designer – our Creator - has understood from the beginning.

David, the writer of Psalm 34, was experiencing adversity.  Yet he pauses and takes time to “taste and see that the Lord is good.”

What exactly did David mean? How can we taste God? David is inviting us to savor - to slows down, noticing the small moments where we have seen God at work.

Like savoring a delicious meal, David sat at the table of his life circumstances. He was being pursued by King Saul, who wanted to kill him. He was tired and hungry. Yet, in this moment, he relishes each bite of God’s goodness, basking in its flavor, allowing it to grow and intensify.

What if we had food so delicious and completely satisfying that we never had to eat or drink again? Imagine never feeling hunger or thirst again—how would that change things?

Jesus gave us such a meal. “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. . . I am the living bread that came down from heaven. Whoever eats this bread will live forever. This bread is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.”

John 6:35, 51

In the midst of difficult circumstances, where can you pause and notice how God is providing for you? Notice the warmth of sunlight on your face or the kindness in a friend's words—these are ways God provides for you. How can you fill your senses and savor God's goodness? If you are feeling spiritually hungry, turn to the only one who can truly satisfy your longing heart. He stopped at nothing, even death itself, to rescue you.

Taste and see that the Lord is good!

Prayer –Lord, it is so easy to allow the circumstance of life to overwhelm me. Thank You for Your invitation to pause to taste and see Your goodness. As I gaze upon the cross today, fill my hungry soul. Teach me to feast upon, relish, bask in and savor all You have done for me.