There is no shortage of distractions when you need them. This year has proven that to me. I have more days logged on Lily’s Garden than I do in my bible app. I did not forget that I need God but I did decide the distractions were a better solution to my challenges than taking them to Jesus’s feet. Today as I opened my computer I was reminded of the scripture, Oh taste and see that the Lord is good. God is good. Continually, habitually, all the time. God is good. I don’t think we forget but I do believe that life is good at distracting us from the fact that our very good God is truly with us — in the bad, ugly and good, our good God is still good with us. He is still a good God while we sin and he is still a good God while we suffer. Our suffering is a huge distraction in itself but today I was reminded that my refuge is to be found in HIM, not in my distractions, pain, or solutions.
The reminder that God is good blesses me for a few reasons. One, I can trust that God is a trustworthy and safe confidant. So once my distractions are played out, I can come to God with whatever is on my heart and mind. He has solutions, answers, comfort, blessings, and safety. He is our refuge.
Refuge, a condition of being safe or sheltered from pursuit, danger, or trouble
Another reason why being reminded of God’s goodness is a blessing is that I am not always good. Knowing that God is better than I allows me to have a moral compass. I can go to God’s word for counsel, I can come to Him with prayers. His answers will always be better than mine. There are many times when I seek the counsel of friends before the Lord’s. When they don’t immediately answer I usually pray. OK, Lord, I should have come to you. But — transparency moment— I don’t always want the Lord’s counsel. Sometimes I just want an echo that will ‘go head girl‘ me. A hype woman for my hook. Or when my mind is determined to believe that God is tired of a certain topic. Could it be that God is tired of our prayers?
Another blessing in the reminder, Oh taste and see. Sometimes you forget how delicious your favorite food is when you haven’t had it in a while. Tasting is experiential. The word says taste and see that the Lord is good. When you experience God’s goodness it can open your eyes up and awaken your senses. God is not tired of your prayers, he is patient and kind. He is gentle and good. He waits on us to open up and experience his goodness and when we do we get to experience his refuge. Let’s end ‘22 by taking refuge in the arms of God no matter the cost.
