Dec 2, 08
Ps 34:8 Taste and see that the LORD is good.

Typically, any intentional tasting that we do involves a clean and discerning palate. The picture of someone seeking to appreciate a new wine, while at the same time chewing gum, is meant to be farcical.

Any desire to experience the lord, to know him better, will require laying aside some competing happiness, whether the pleasure of sin, or some legitimate satisfaction like sleep, or food, or sex, or the company of people.

We may experience lack in these areas for some other reason and bemoan our situation, or brag about it, but when they are laid aside for the sake of meeting with God, experiencing him, seeing more of him, gaining insight and wisdom and joy in holy companionship with him, he sees and honors in ways we might not have imagined.

The thrice repeated guarantee from Mt 6, when you give, pray and fast, in secret, is this, “Your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” “Reward” is not mentioned as a mere possibility. This is an underscored promise. There will be something to seek and find and keep.

Once you have tasted and found something good, it is expected that you would add it to your diet, a new discipline, a new insight, becomes part of the new normal. This is one way God grants new desires and along with them, new fulfillment and satisfaction and spiritual growth and happiness in him.

Gaining increased contentment with God by means of any intentional self-deprivation will include trial and error. It takes practice and tweaking like anything else.

The aim is always to divert the natural impulse to reliance on Christ, seeking after Christ, listening, waiting, recording our lessons and prayers to draw on when we don’t have the emotions or the words that would naturally attract us to him.

This past summer, I took 3 days camping alone with no agenda other than to listen. What I learned, I am still, as of yesterday, seeking to apply. And I am finding success because of the experience at Long-Point. I’ll talk more about this next time.