In the above passage, David is crying out to people to taste the goodness of God. I do not believe that he is trying to get people to try God for a little while and see if they like him. But, instead, he is trying to tell us that God can bring enjoyment to one's life.

The word taste is an interesting word and it is used here instead of the word eat, because the emphasis is on the goodness of God. To taste something does not always mean to sample something. Taste is one of our senses and is found in our taste buds located on our tongue. These taste buds make the eating experience enjoyable.

Often times, when I eat something, I don't take the time to enjoy what I am eating. I just woof it down or swallow it whole, usually because I am in a hurry. My wife, on the other hand, takes her time and enjoys her food. Especially ice cream which is real enjoyable to the taste. The goodness of God was meant for us to enjoy not just to know about. Anybody who has tasted the goodness of God knows that it is an enjoyable experience. The tasting of God is where the joy comes from.

When something tastes real good, even the memory of it can be enjoyable. God's goodness is one of the most enjoyable of all His attributes, and remembering when you experienced it will stir you up.

I am writing this because I want people to know that having God and his life is an enjoyable experience and that there is nothing better than the taste of his goodness. For those who are wondering how they can taste of his goodness, the psalmist provides the answer in the following verses. Below is an outline of those ways.

1. Trusting Him - Verse 8

2. Fearing Him - Verse 9

3. Seeking Him - Verse 10

4. Listening to Him - Verse 11

5. Departing from evil - Verse 13-14

6. Crying out to Him - Verse 15-18

- Brother Terry Owen