Joni and Friends
No Leftovers

by Joni Eareckson Tada

“Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8

I love the day after Thanksgiving. There’s nothing like turkey sandwiches with cold stuffing and cranberry sauce spread right on soft white bread. And day-old pumpkin pie? Yum.

Yesterday, on Thanksgiving, Ken and I read through some Old Testament passages to help us get into a spirit of gratitude. We discussed the wonderful things God did in the past, like parting the Red Sea and rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. God served up a full-course meal of spectacular miracles back then.

But what about today? Are we tasting “leftovers” just because no seas are parting? Is God serving up something less than his best if he chooses to reveal himself through the pages of his Word rather than through the pillar of fire and cloud of smoke?

God’s acts are no less mighty, and our thanksgivings are no less earnest than those who laid themselves prostrate in the Old Testament. God didn’t just flex his muscles in ancient times to leave us with leftovers. When he served up his mighty acts in the Old Testament, God didn’t say, “Taste and see that the LORD is good” only to dish out to us something less than his best. Nothing is ever day-old or reheated when it comes to God’s workings. What he does always tastes good, is delightful, and is worthy of thanksgiving.

“Taste and see that the LORD is good.” God may have given Solomon wisdom, but hasn’t he done the same for you? He may have delivered Gideon, but hasn’t he rescued you as well? God satisfied the mouth of David with good things, but hasn’t the Lord also fattened your soul with more blessings than you can count?

“Praise the LORD, O my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. Praise the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Ps. 103:1-2). While the Thanksgiving blessings are still fresh in your mind, while the prayers of gratitude are still echoing around the table, forget not all God’s benefits.

I give thanks, God, that you were good to the people of old and that I can say with them, “Oh, taste and see. The Lord is good.”

Taken from More Precious than Silver

By Joni Eareckson Tada

Copyright © 1998
Published in Print by Zondervan, Grand Rapids

All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible: New International Version.

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