Psalm 34:8 “O taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusts in Him.” NKJV
I sat in the coffee shop, preparing for an upcoming conference with my laptop up and my Bible open. A patron approached and seeing my Bible, chose to comment. His words stung me to the core.
“I don’t believe in God,” he said with a scowl.
Not being something I am accustomed to hearing, I curiously inquired, “Will you tell me why?”
As he began to spew out angry words, it became evident this man had been offered a misrepresentation of God. He reminisced of a church family filled with ridicule for sinners. He spoke of those struggling with their faith as being outcast by the brotherhood. He told of a God who lay in wait for us to sin so we could be condemned to hell. He witnessed only to a God of eternal punishment of fire and brimstone.
While he ranted, I prayed for words that might make a difference. Having said his piece, he looked me square in the eyes and waited for my reply.
I took a breath and said, “I’m so sorry. I don’t believe in that god either.”
I hoped to be granted the privilege of additional response time. However, he turned, picked up his beverage, and as he left, looked over his shoulder to say, “Good! That god is not worth believing in.”
Before I could utter another word, he was off.
How tragic!
“His god” was worlds apart from The Great I Am found in the Word. Yes, God disciplines us, but with the love of a Father striving to redirect his child. There is so much more to God than this man knew. If only he could experience the God of Psalm 34 where David records:
God is good. (Psalm 34:8) “Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good.”
God hears the cries of his children and carries them through their fear. (Psalm 34:4) “I sought the Lord and he heard me and delivered me from all my fears.”
God is near to us when our hearts break. (Psalm 34:18) “The Lord is near to those who have a broken heart.”
God lovingly redeems his children. (Psalm 34:22) “The Lord redeems the soul of His servants.”
God does not wish for us to be condemned. (Psalm 34:22) “None of those who trust in Him shall be condemned.”
David wrote these words as he was surrounded by troubles, yet he knew the love of a Father who longs to bring us close to Him. Oh, how I wish the coffee shop man could know that God. And oh, how I pray all of God’s children come to an intimate knowledge of His love for us.
Father God, may our hearts know the real You.
Blessings,
Rita Cochrane