Taste and See That the Lord is Good: The Power of Spending Time with God in Prayer (Psalm 34)

The life of a prayer warrior can often feel overwhelming. We find ourselves carrying the burdens of others, constantly praying for their needs, sometimes at the expense of nurturing our own spiritual well-being. But today, I want to encourage you to pause for a moment and take time to appreciate the goodness of God—for yourself. I had this revelation just a few weeks ago, and it changed my perspective. I remember saying to the Lord, "I want more of You." And in that quiet moment, He spoke so clearly to my heart, saying, “Oh, taste and see.”

Let that sink in. It’s an invitation to not just pray for others, but to truly experience God's goodness for yourself.

Psalm 34, with its rich message, invites us to experience the Lord’s goodness in a very personal and intimate way. One of the most powerful ways we can do this is through prayer—spending time with God in conversation and communion.

In Psalm 34, David begins with a call to worship:
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth." (Psalm 34:1)

This statement reveals David’s heart—a heart that continually praises God, regardless of circumstances. But more than just an outward expression of gratitude, Psalm 34 encourages us to take time to experience God’s goodness in a deeper, more personal way. Verse 8 invites us to come and "taste and see that the Lord is good."

What Does It Mean to "Taste and See"?

"Taste and see" is an invitation to experience God with all of our senses. Just as food nourishes our bodies and gives us energy, spending time in God's presence nourishes our souls. It’s an experiential invitation. It’s not just about knowing about God, but truly knowing Him through direct engagement. Just as we must take the time to savor and appreciate the flavors of a delicious meal, we are invited to "taste" God’s goodness through prayer, worship, and reflection.

How do we do that? How do we "taste and see" God’s goodness through prayer?

1. Set Aside Time to Connect

Prayer is an essential part of spending time with God. Yet, we often find ourselves distracted by the pressures of life. Psalm 34:1 reminds us of the importance of making time for God:
"I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
In this verse, David makes a conscious decision to make God the focus of his life. Prayer is the way we bring God into our present moment, inviting His presence into our hearts.

Setting aside time for intentional, quiet prayer, away from distractions, creates space for us to "taste" and truly savor the goodness of God. Whether it’s a few minutes in the morning or an extended time in the evening, creating sacred moments where you are fully present with God helps you feel His goodness in tangible ways.

2. Engage with God’s Word

God’s Word is filled with promises of His goodness, love, and faithfulness. Psalm 34 is no exception. As you spend time in prayer, engage with the psalm and other scriptures that focus on God’s character. Reflect on how these words shape your understanding of Him and His desires for your life.

In Psalm 34:4, David writes:
"I sought the Lord, and He answered me and delivered me from all my fears."
This verse invites us to reflect on God’s faithfulness and His ability to deliver us from our struggles. When you pray and meditate on such verses, you open your heart to experience the power and peace of God’s presence.

3. Trust in His Goodness

David’s invitation to "taste and see that the Lord is good" is grounded in the trust that God is always good, even when life feels uncertain. Psalm 34:10 reassures us:
"The young lions suffer want and hunger, but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing."
In prayer, we are reminded that God’s goodness is unchanging and that He will meet our needs, whether they are physical, emotional, or spiritual. As we pray, we are not just seeking answers or solutions, but cultivating a relationship with a God who is always good.

4. Come with Expectation

When we approach God in prayer, we should come with expectation, believing that He will meet us and reveal His goodness. Just as we anticipate the joy of tasting a delicious meal, we can expect that spending time in God’s presence will nourish our souls and bring peace to our hearts.

David assures us in Psalm 34:17:
"When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles."
God is not distant or indifferent to our struggles. He is actively involved in our lives and desires to be close to us. When we pray, we are engaging with a God who delights in responding to His children.

5. Reflect on His Faithfulness

As we spend time with God, reflecting on His goodness in prayer, we are also called to remember and reflect on His past faithfulness. Psalm 34:6 says:
"This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles."
Take a moment during your prayer time to remember how God has answered your prayers in the past. Reflecting on His faithfulness builds our trust and allows us to "taste" and see the goodness of God in a new way.

Conclusion: A Life Transformed by Prayer

Psalm 34 invites us to taste and see that the Lord is good. Prayer, at its core, is about relationship—an invitation to experience God’s goodness through intimate connection. When we commit time to prayer, engage with God’s Word, trust in His promises, and reflect on His faithfulness, we are transformed. We move from knowing about God to knowing Him intimately and deeply. As we spend time in prayer, let us remember that God’s goodness is not just a concept to be understood, but a reality to be experienced. Let us make the choice to taste and see, allowing His presence to fill us and His goodness to sustain us in all things.

Reflection Question:
How can you make space for prayer today to "taste and see" the goodness of God in your own life?

About the Author:

Dr. Chavonne D. Stewart is a watchman, prophetic intercessor, and worshipful warrior; she carries a profound hunger and thirst for the Holy spirit.  Guided by the word of Isaiah 6:8 NIV. In addition to her ministry work Dr. Chavonne is  an experienced education specialist, consultant and author, known for her transformative work in leadership training and  development. She focuses on coaching authentic women leaders. Dr. Stewart's dedication to education and leadership, coupled with her passion for travel and family, embodies her as both a professional and a role model and mentor for women.