Taste and See

I have resolved to start 2016 without sugar — no sugar, no artificial sweeteners, and minimal carbohydrates. The first few days were rough, I won’t lie. The withdrawal symptoms included headaches, aches and pains, and even an upset stomach. I pushed through and finally, I am beginning to feel myself again.

Why would I do this? One word — my health. Last year I spent 60 days sugar-free and I had more energy, better focus, and felt much healthier. I want to take better care of myself so that this vessel can be used however God sees fit.

What surprised me is how obsessed I had become with food. Since I gave up sugar, I am hungry much of the time. I think throughout the day about what foods I can have and research recipes that fit into my new diet. Eating healthy has become a focal point in my thoughts.

I prayed and asked God to show me a verse to strive to live by for 2016, and he led me to Psalm 34:8 which says, “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” 

Ha! God has some sense of humor! Taste! As I have reflected on this verse on the first few days on 2016, I have viewed this in a new context. As I wean myself off of sugar, other healthier alternatives taste better; as a matter of fact, my taste buds are heightened and food tastes better in general! As I spend more and more time with the Lord, he wants the things of Christ to appeal more and more to me, and the things of the world will be less entreating. The more I delight myself in Christ, the more I recognize and acknowledge his goodness! 

Oh that I would spend as much time dwelling on God’s Word as I do on what I can and can’t eat…I think this is what God is teaching me. The more I feast on his Word, the more I will want to taste of its goodness. For now, my meditation is on the first half of this verse, but I am not ignoring the latter part.

“Blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” Refuge. A place of peace. Safety. Quiet. As I sit quietly and taste — no savor his goodness, I am blessed. No longer will I be consumed with the worries of the world; my focus will be on the goodness of God Himself. 

Oh that we would truly taste and see in 2016!