“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8
The Goodness of God
As we reflect on the senses of taste and smell, we can draw a powerful connection to the goodness of God. Psalm 34:8 invites us to engage our senses in experiencing the Lord’s goodness. When we taste and see His blessings, it becomes evident that He is a loving and generous Father. Just as a delicious meal can bring joy and satisfaction, so does God’s presence in our lives. We are reminded to savor His goodness in our daily experiences, recognizing that every good thing comes from Him, adding richness to our lives and creating an atmosphere of gratitude.
Psalm 34:8
“Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” – Psalm 34:8
James 1:17
“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” – James 1:17
Psalm 119:103
“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” – Psalm 119:103
Exodus 3:8
“So I have come down to rescue them from the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land into a good and spacious land, a land flowing with milk and honey.” – Exodus 3:8
1 Peter 2:2
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.” – 1 Peter 2:2
Our Spiritual Senses
Jesus often spoke about tasting and experiencing the spiritual realm. He knew that our physical senses could serve as an analogy for our spiritual growth. We can apply this idea to our own spiritual senses as we engage with faith. By developing our spiritual taste and discernment, we find ourselves drawn closer to God and more attuned to His will. Just like appreciating flavors in food, we should seek to experience the depth of our faith. The more we engage with spiritual nourishment, the more vibrant and fulfilling our spiritual life becomes, reflecting a soul eager to embrace the essence of divine love.
Hebrews 5:14
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” – Hebrews 5:14
John 6:51
“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 6:51
1 Corinthians 10:16
“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” – 1 Corinthians 10:16
Philippians 4:19
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:19
John 7:37
“On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, ‘Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink.'” – John 7:37
The Aroma of Christ
Our spiritual lives are not just about the things we can see or hear but also the scents that linger in the air around us. The fragrance of Christ is something we are called to embody and share. Just as a delightful smell can attract others, our lives should reflect the aroma of Jesus. We, as followers, are called to be the scent that brings others closer to God. This means showing the love, grace, and mercy He has shown us, creating an environment where others can experience His presence. As we take on this fragrant identity, we become vessels of Christ’s love and light.
2 Corinthians 2:15
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing.” – 2 Corinthians 2:15
Ephesians 5:2
“And walk in the way of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.” – Ephesians 5:2
Philippians 4:18
“I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:18
Colossians 3:17
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:17
John 12:3
“Then Mary took about a pint of pure nard, an expensive perfume; she poured it on Jesus’ feet and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume.” – John 12:3
The Gifts of Creation
Taste and smell are essential gifts that allow us to appreciate the beauty surrounding us. In God’s creation, we discover a world full of flavors and fragrances that awaken our senses. From the sweetness of ripe fruits to the comforting smell of baked goods, God delights in providing for us. These gifts remind us of His goodness and encourage us to enjoy the world He has made. As we take time to appreciate the nourishment and beauty that creation has to offer, we grow in our relationship with God and cultivate hearts of gratitude.
Genesis 1:29
“Then God said, ‘I give you every seed-bearing plant on the face of the whole earth and every tree that has fruit with seed in it. They will be yours for food.'” – Genesis 1:29
Psalm 104:14
“He makes grass grow for the cattle, and plants for people to cultivate—bringing forth food from the earth.” – Psalm 104:14
Ecclesiastes 3:13
“That each of them may eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all their toil—this is the gift of God.” – Ecclesiastes 3:13
Isaiah 55:2
“Why spend money on what is not bread, and your labor on what does not satisfy? Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good, and you will delight in the richest of fare.” – Isaiah 55:2
Revelation 22:2
“Down the middle of the great street of the city, on each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.” – Revelation 22:2
Sensory Experiences in Worship
Worship is a time when we come together to connect with God, and taste and smell can play vital roles in enhancing our experience. During worship, the elements of communion provide a sensory experience that can lead us into deeper appreciation of Christ’s sacrifice. As we partake in the bread and wine, we’re reminded not only of the physical act of eating and drinking but also of the spiritual nourishment our souls receive. The scents of candles, incense, or even the aroma of fresh baked bread can elevate our worship, creating a sacred space where we connect with God more intimately. We should embrace these experiences as gifts that allow us to honor and glorify Him.
1 Corinthians 11:24
“And when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, ‘This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.'” – 1 Corinthians 11:24
Luke 22:19
“And he took bread, gave thanks, and broke it, and gave it to them, saying, ‘This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me.'” – Luke 22:19
Matthew 26:26
“While they were eating, Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and gave it to his disciples, saying, ‘Take and eat; this is my body.'” – Matthew 26:26
Revelation 3:20
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.” – Revelation 3:20
Acts 2:42
“They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – Acts 2:42
The Sweetness of Fellowship
When we come together with fellow believers, we experience the sweetness of fellowship, akin to savoring a delightful meal. The joy of sharing stories, prayers, and encouragement brings a sense of belonging and unity. Our relationships, nourished by the love of Christ, can also be compared to the flavors that enrich our lives. As we create memories and experiences with one another, we engage in the beauty of community, where the taste and smell of love, friendship, and support become an essential part of our spiritual growth. We should celebrate these times of fellowship, knowing they strengthen our bond in Christ and enable us to share His love with the world around us.
Acts 2:46
“Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts.” – Acts 2:46
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
1 John 1:7
“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.” – 1 John 1:7
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Final Thoughts
As we explore the sensory experiences of taste and smell, we learn valuable lessons about God’s goodness, the richness of our spiritual lives, the aroma of Christ, and the joy found in fellowship. These senses help us appreciate the divine gifts surrounding us and invite us to engage with our faith actively. By sharing the sweetness of community and savoring our relationship with God, we develop a deeper understanding of His love for us.
Let us be grateful for every bite we take and every breath we inhale, for they remind us of the Creator who delights in providing for us. I encourage us to take moments in our daily lives to taste and see God’s goodness, cherishing the experiences that bring us closer to Him and to each other.
If you find joy in gathering for meals, consider reading about gathering to eat and gathering at the table. There is much to learn about how we can come together and celebrate God’s goodness through shared meals and experiences.