A Mug of Hot Chocolate

 

What shall I render to the LORD for all his benefits to me? I will lift up the cup of salvation and scall on the name of the LORD, I will pay my vows to the LORD in the presence of all his people. (Psalm 116:12-14 ESV).

 

Today, as I sit writing the weather has turned cold and dreary. It is actually February 29^th, the added day to account for the synchronization of our calendar with the solar path of Earth, has returned us to winter in Texas. With a drizzling rain and cold temperatures, I have succumbed to the temptation of writing with a mug of hot chocolate nearby. I have several preferred mugs. One is from Texas A&M, another is from the Donut Friar, and the third is a gift from some friends who brought it to me from their trip to Zion National Park. I choose these mugs because they are bigger than usual and heavily crafted. I like the feel of them; and I think that makes the chocolate taste even better. After all, taste is indisputable.

 

The taste of the Lord is also indisputable. The psalmist invites us to “taste and see that the LORD is good.” I have tasted, and I agree. The Lord is good. He is very good. He is superlatively good. He is unfailingly and eternally good. We don’t need preferred mugs to enhance the “taste of the Lord”. His character and grace toward us is more than enough to declare His goodness. The song is right: “God is good—all the time.”

 

Lent is a good time to “lift up the cup of salvation” and say, “The LORD is good.” Perhaps today would be a good day for you to take inventory of hoe God has shown you His goodness. Perhaps it is in unexpected blessing that He has given you. Or it may be that He has proven Himself to be your strength in a time of challenge. I am finding more as I age that His promises are the best expressions of His goodness toward me. Take the time to think about who He is in your life today as we move closer to the celebration of the greatest gift of all… eternal life!