HAPPINESS Is Tasting of the LORD

Psalm 34:8
​O taste and see that the Lord is good; happy are those who take refuge in him.

I remember growing up listening to a gospel song by the Pace Sisters. They sang and compared the goodness of the LORD to various pop culture items. For example, they adlibbed during a bridge of song “Jesus Loves Me” that the LORD is better than Coca Cola because “He is the real thing.” This song which was common to the Black Church in the 90’s helped the Body of Christ to understand that God is relatable, but to experience the LORD one must taste and see. I can attest just like the biblical author that the LORD is sweeter than the honey on the honeycomb.

Losses, challenges and triumph can all lend themselves to knowing that the LORD is good. I have experienced many losses and challenges, some of which were due to my conduct. Pain like the loss of a child or divorce or recovery from childhood trauma can be debilitating or numbing. I had to fight many days, but I am grateful for the season of peace and training and instructing that I am in. One thing that has remained the same since I was a young child is that I have found refuge in the LORD. 

Since my life has found great meaning and my mindset has shifted to a kingdom mindset, I find it necessary to rehearse what the LORD has brought me out of. It is also useful to me to remind myself of the promises of the LORD. I’ve found that it is easy to do this in the morning or during my meditation or at night before I go to bed. It helps keep me sober and operating with a heart of gratitude. I talk about this often, but it’s so weighty and it is part of my testimony, so I do not mind repeating it. Being at Duke is the fulfillment of a dream that I have, and I endeavor to not take it lightly. I want to remain sober and appreciative of this blessing.

Ultimately, I want sobriety and gratitude to simply be the state of my heart no matter the condition that I find myself in. I know that this is key to a healthy and joyous life. For too long there has been a light undercurrent in my life where I consider that something bad may be looming. I recently had a birthday. I am clear that there are certain things that I absolutely will not carry with me into this next decade. One of the things that I can no longer afford is fear. Once this semester is over, I want to spend some concerted time with Holy Spirit communing, listening, thinking and planning for my future. I need to have keen insight regarding what I need to become and what I need to unbecome to live out the plan of the LORD for my life. I cannot succeed in any of this unless the LORD is with me, undergirding me, watching over me and building with me. I know that the LORD goes before me and all is well. I’ve tasted and seen and know that the LORD is good and is a reliable and ever-present shelter from the storms of life.

Prayer:
Adonai Shamma, my soul sings how great You are. You are my delight and the sweetness of my life. I have tried You in good times and in bad. You are my shelter from every storm. You are beautiful and wonderous to behold. I will speak of your goodness forever. Amen.

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​written by Myrina K. Robinson
Duke Divinity School MDiv 2022
Guest Blogger for BWET Blog