In Day 1 of “Feeding Your Hunger,” you were introduced to this passage:
1 Peter 2:2-3
2 Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3 now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Because this verse captures the essence of a spiritual journey, and really, of personal spiritual formation, we want to focus on the phrase in this verse that represents the start point: now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
To add some perspective on that start-point phrase, check out the take on this phrase from a few other Bible versions:
… if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good. (ESV)
… if you have tasted the kindness of the Lord. (NASB)
… now that you have had a taste of the Lord’s kindness. (NLT)
… if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. (NKJV)
Gracious. Kind. Good. These are English words used to translate the Greek word chrestos, and they all paint a wonderful picture of God. Did you notice the one English word used in every version? Taste!
Think of a recent occasion in which you have tasted—sensed beyond a reasonable doubt—the kindness, goodness, or graciousness of God. Write out as much detail as you can before moving to the prompts noted below. Try to articulate the trait of God you most tasted.
We know God has countless tools He can use to provide opportunity to “taste” His kindness and goodness. The list of tools below represents a sampling. With each tool, you’ll see prompts to encourage gratitude for how the tool was used in your journey. These prompts are also intended to help you process internally the “taste” of God you have experienced. If none of the suggested tools come close to the occasion you described above, the prompts listed below can serve as examples you may be able to apply to your occasion.
Was it an event, such as a convention, a camp, a retreat?
Write a note to event planners. Explain how the event spoke to you and gave you an opportunity to “taste” the kindness and goodness of God. Share specifically the trait of God you most tasted.
Was it a church worship experience?
Contact your worship leader, or those who were involved in worship during your experience. Describe to them what it was (a verse, a phrase in a song, a teaching) that opened your heart to the trait(s) of God you experienced. Describe to them the trait of God you experienced.
Was it the culmination of a journey over time?
What or who served as significant markers in your journey? Is there someone who you can contact and describe how they were a marker in your journey?
Was it an epiphany (a revelation, an “Oh Wow!” moment) in your personal Bible study?
With whom can you share your epiphany? Consider writing out your “Wow!” moment in a way that can teach others about your discovery. Share your writing with close friends and family, or post it on social media.
Was it inspired by a friend or mentor?
If so, you’ve likely shared your with your friend or mentor in real time how they have been used by God to inspire you in your journey. If so, take a moment to reinforce how meaningful this has been to you.
Was it inspired by a teaching (podcast, sermon)?
Reach out to that ministry or podcaster to share how their teaching gave you an opportunity to “taste” a trait of God.
Was it an experience with God through hardship?
Write out a thoughtful prayer of thankfulness to God. This is your opportunity to not just feel gratitude, but to articulate to the source of God’s goodness—God Himself—how you feel. Share this prayer with a friend or a spiritual mentor.