"Taste and see that the lord is good "(Psalm 34:8).
The verse above seems perfect for my update. I’ve been eating great for a couple weeks now: spaghetti, meatballs, stuffed tilapia, lasagna, meatloaf, mashed potatoes, smoothies, and more. I can’t eat steak yet, but what I can eat has been soooo good.
I have a stent in my esophagus, holding it open as the scar tissue heals, and letting food pass through to my stomach. The goal is to have it for 3 more weeks and then have an endoscopy to remove it and see how my esophagus looks. Thank you for your continued prayers, encouragement, and support.
As I reflected on the Psalm 34, I stumbled on this rendering of verse 34:8 from the ERV (Easy Reading Version). “Give the Lord a chance to show you how good he is. Great blessings belong to those who depend on him! (Psalm 34:8, ERV) Surprise, surprise… The Psalm isn’t about food at all. Rather, Psalm 34 invites us to give the Lord a chance. Give God a try. Sample the Divine. Even a little taste will reveal God’s great goodness.
The Psalm gives at least three ways we can give God a chance.
1. Ask the Lord for help. “I went to the Lord for help, and he listened. He saved me from all that I fear. If you look to him for help, he will put a smile on your face. You will have no need to be ashamed.” (Psalms 34:4-5, ERV)
2. Respect God.
“Avoid saying anything hurtful, and never let a lie come out of your mouth. Stop doing anything evil and do good. Look for peace and do all you can to help people live peacefully.” (Psalms 34:13-14, ERV)
T.H.I.N.K. before you speak. Is it True, Helpful, Inspiring, Necessary, and Kind? If not, saying nothing or finding a better way to say it respects God. Listening to his words and obeying, worshiping, and loving God also show respect.
3. Pray to God.
“Pray to the Lord, and he will hear you. He will save you from all your troubles. The Lord is close to those who have suffered disappointment. He saves those who are discouraged.” (Psalms 34:17-18 ERV)
Practice these A.C.T.S. of prayer: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, and Supplication. Express your love to God with words and worship. Confess your mistakes and be forgiven. Thank God for all the great blessings you've received. And don't hesitate to ask God to supply all you need. No matter how bad things may be, "we know that for those who love God all things work together for good!" (Romans 8:28).
Asking for help, giving respect, and praying are just a few of many ways you can give God a chance. I’m sure you can think of more. No matter how you choose to give God a chance to show you his goodness, you will not be disappointed. You will taste and see that the Lord is good!
For more than a year I have been writing daily devotionals for Cancer Companions’ soon to be released “Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey, a collection of 365 Daily devotionals.” I am one of 13 authors who wrote devotionals for this resource. A sample booklet has been create that includes one devotional from each author. I have 12 copies I'd like to give away. If you’d like one, let me know, provide your mailing address, and I'll send your one. You can also find these devotionals and more information here.
To hear more messages like this, please visit my blog at www.davidgira.com and check out my book, How Cancer Cured Me. I have author copies. If you'd like one, let me know.