Angi Aymond

A couple of years ago, I began juicing. As in, pressing fruit and vegetables to make my own fresh juice. I get on a kick every now and again.

When I started, I began with a list of 4 veggies and 2 fruits, topped off with some tumeric and black pepper for good measure. Seriously, with the first swig out of the glass, I was hooked. I didn’t have to experiment any further. It tasted so good to me that I downed my first 8 ounces with no break. It was that delicious. 

I offered my hubs a taste, and because he’s a good sport, he drank about 3 ounces.

After a couple of weeks, I had both visible and invisible improvements in my health. (No. It wasn’t a magic wand that fixed all of me.)

However, after those couple of weeks, guess who wanted to start drinking my juice with me? Yep.

I then started making more juice, more often, because it’s best if it’s consumed within 36 hours of pressing.

One such morning, as I was enjoying my freshly pressed concoction, I looked over at my favorite and watched him drink. Guess who didn’t love it still?

Oh, I drink my juice with deep satisfaction, coupled with delight. I almost crave it.

He, on the other hand, turns it up and downs it because he knows it’s good for him. He knows the benefits.

And I had a thought.

In my walk following Jesus, I’ll confess that there have been many times when I have heard God’s truth and reluctantly obeyed. Knocked it back, so to speak.  While knowing my obedience was necessary, I didn’t like the taste of it. I probably didn’t even realize it was best for me, I just knew God required it.

As I’ve gotten older (much older), obedience tastes a bit sweeter. I’ve lived long enough to know that God truly knows what’s best for me. I can wholly and fully trust Him. The things He asks of me are for my benefit. And His glory.

No, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that obedience always goes down smoothly. I have too often choked on it, if I’m being honest. I’ve been known to willfully pour it down the drain!

But as my heart has fully surrendered to His, the cup of obedience tastes richer and sweeter. Pure delight.

So, here’s to fresh pressed juice and obedience, my friends!

Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.”

PSALM 34:8.