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Oh, taste and see that the LORD is good! Blessed is the man who takes refuge in him! – Psalm 34:8
We’d done all the research and dreamed of places to explore. We wanted to have adventures and experience exciting things – zip lines, exotic snorkeling, and unique foods. We saw the pictures online, read about all the different attractions and planned our trip accordingly. But, nothing compared to actually being there. We could’ve read in detail about the vacation we planned, but reading about something is no substitute for experiencing it. The same is true when trying to understand God’s will. We can read about it, learn about it, and understand it – but there’s no substitute for experiencing it. In fact, the Scriptures teach that we only really know God’s will as we live in it.
In Romans 12:2, the Apostle Paul writes, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” Paul claims that finding God’s will involves testing. That means discernment is a subjective discovery, not an objective command. We see Jonathan embrace this type of approach as well. When he saw the opportunity, he stepped into it. As he moved, he depended on God to direct his steps. Through action, he asked, he evaluated, and he listened. Jonathan’s experience demonstrates the truth that we often know God’s plan from the inside, not from the outside.
What if we started to view the quest to live in God’s will not so much as a direction we’re to take, but as a discovery we get to make? Paul claims that discovering God’s will leads us to the place where we get to enjoy God and the life he’s given us. His will is good, pleasing, and perfect. As the Psalmist invites us, “Taste and see that God is good!” This doesn’t mean that living in the will of God is easy, but it does mean that it’s the deepest and fullest life available to us. Following God might mean journeying away from safety, friendships, and known commodities – but, it will also mean experiencing joy and meaning we could never have imagined. Today, put your life to the “test.” Are you living in God’s will? As you seek to follow him, remember that he is good. Let his grace wash over your soul as you listen to this great song, King of My Heart.[/vc_column_text][us_separator height=”25px” size=”custom”][vc_column_text]
By Ryan Paulson
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