Taste and See: The Lord Will Provide
It wasn’t until I had checked my recipe for the third time that I realized that I didn’t have enough sugar for the cinnamon rolls I was baking.
All of the other ingredients were prepped on the counter. All that was missing was the sugar.
With a heavy sigh, I pulled out my phone to start googling sugar substitutes and began to berate myself. Why did I not start baking earlier? Why did I not check my ingredient list? Why was I not better prepared?
As I walked past the kitchen table to look for sugar again, I caught a glimpse of my Bible. In the middle of my helplessness, I was reminded of the verse I had read earlier: “Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.” (Psalm 34:8, NIV)
I almost laughed out loud. “Taste” was not exactly what I wanted to think about for a cinnamon roll recipe with no sugar, but then I remembered all the other times the Lord had provided.
The Context of Psalm 34
Psalm 34 is a psalm of thanksgiving written by David after God delivered him from danger while he was fleeing from King Saul. David composed this song following his escape from Abimelech, an event recorded in 1 Samuel 21. During that time, David pretended to be insane to avoid death, and afterward, his heart overflowed with gratitude for the Lord’s mercy and protection.
The psalm begins with praise: “I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1) David’s worship in the midst of hardship sets the tone for the entire psalm. His circumstances were not ideal—he was living in fear and uncertainty—yet he praised God for His steadfast care.
When David invites others to “taste and see that the Lord is good” (v. 8), he is inviting them to experience God’s faithfulness personally. The phrase “taste” implies an active participation, not just an intellectual belief. To “taste” is to trust—to lean on God fully and discover His goodness firsthand.
God’s Presence in Our Lack
As I sat down at the table and reread Psalm 34, I was reminded that the Lord’s provision is not limited to physical needs—it’s about His presence filling what feels empty.
The psalm reveals key truths about the character of God:
He hears our cries for help (Psalm 34:17).
He draws near to the brokenhearted (Psalm 34:18).
He provides for those who fear Him, ensuring that they “lack no good thing.” (Psalm 34:10)
These verses remind us that God’s goodness isn’t dependent on our preparation but rooted in His faithful presence. Even when we feel unprepared or missing something essential—God is not. He provides. He is near. He fills what’s missing with Himself.
Experiencing God’s Provision in Everyday Life
After I finished reading, I noticed the maple syrup on the table behind my Bible—the same one we had used for breakfast earlier. It was enough to sweeten the cinnamon rolls after all. Again, the Lord provided.
Sometimes His provision looks ordinary—a bottle of syrup, an encouraging word, a reminder from Scripture. But each of these moments invites us to “taste and see” His goodness anew.
When we allow God into our moments of lack, frustration, or disappointment, we make space for Him to show us that He is faithful. His provision often comes in unexpected ways, perfectly timed and deeply personal.
Reflection Questions
How can you help yourself remember to recognize God’s goodness on the days when you’re lacking?
How can you remember that the timing of His provision is perfect?
Closing Thought
Psalm 34 reminds us that the Lord’s goodness isn’t something to be observed from a distance—it’s meant to be experienced. Whether in a kitchen moment or a crisis of the heart, God meets us where we are and fills our emptiness with His faithfulness.
Taste and see. He is good, and He will provide.
Meet the Author
Reanna Hoffman
Reanna is a writer, speaker, coach, and host of the Not Just Waiting Podcast, where she equips women to wait well and actively pursue Jesus in every season. A former teacher who followed God’s call into new adventures, Reanna is passionate about reminding others they are seen, valued, and deeply loved by God. Whether she’s writing, coaching, or baking something sweet, she believes the Lord is the best adventure guide—and she’s just getting started.
Connect with her on Instagram here.
