April 17, 2025 Devo

April 17th, 2025

“Walking Through the Psalms”
“Taste and see that the LORD is good. Oh, the joys of those who take refuge in him!” – Psalm 34:8 (NLT)
“God and Michigan Cherry Coffee”

I have a friend who has spoiled me when it comes to coffee. He’s from Michigan and has turned me on to Michigan Cherry Coffee. Whenever he goes home, he brings me back some. I have to confess that I’m not really much of a coffee connoisseur and will pretty much drink whatever anyone brews without any fuss or comment. But the Michigan Cherry Coffee always surprises me with how good it tastes. For some reason, when I take that first sip, I just want to sit, relax, and savor it. Does anybody else have a special drink like that?
That experience hints at what the Psalmist was getting at in our verse today. Once you’ve “tasted” God, nothing else compares. There are lots of things that bring a smile to our faces, but only God can give true JOY. There are many things that are enjoyable to do, but only God can give us a deep sense of significance. There are many things in this life that bring pleasure, but only God can satisfy our souls.
Many of you know exactly what I’m talking about. We’ve tried the various “tastes” this world has to offer, but it’s just not the same. Wealth tastes sweet until the stock market crashes, or you lose your job and all you were counting on for security. Romance tastes nice until you find yourself rejected, abandoned, or alone. Excitement has a delicious, spicy taste to it until the excitement ends in disaster. What you discover is that all the tastes of this world are just a tease. For all the flavor they offer, they don’t quench what we’re looking for, and they don’t last. Jesus reminds us that He was what we are hungry for. He is what our souls are thirsty for.
One taste of God and you know what love is. One taste of God and you know the real meaning of “peace.” One taste of God and you can know the relief of the forgiveness of your sins, the exhilaration of a second chance, and the joy of being “home.” In a world of bland substitutes, God is the Michigan Cherry Coffee our hearts are longing for. Taste Him for yourself and see. The Lord is GOOD! That’s God’s Word for you today.