https://odb.org/MY/2023/03/02/a-refreshing-oasis
When we learnt about deserts in geography lessons in school, we learnt about mirages. It’s an illusion of a body of water in the distance but is actually a naturally occurring phenomenon caused by reflection of light. In the vast and treacherous desert of sand, every living creature is searching for that puddle of water to relieve their thrist, and such puddles exist in reality as oases (or oasis in the singular). That is why the term ‘oasis’ itself connotes an impression of tranquillity, peace, and contented satisfaction as well as a confluence of sorts, a place where everyone goes to or gathers. We have seen in nature documentaries how animals, whether in the savannahs or even tropical rainforests, gather around watering holes to drink sometimes at their peril as there could be predators lurking nearby or in the water itself.
But Psalm 1 speaks of a different kind of oasis. It’s an oasis of God’s wisdom and presence in His Word as the person whose delight is in the laws of the LORD and who meditates on His law day and night is blessed, meaning, he receives God’s favour as an extension of His grace. As animals go to an oasis to quench their thrist in the desert, believers go to the bible to satisfy our spiritual thrist and hunger and, in the process, receive our spiritual nourishment and strength. Consequently, we will be like a tree planted by streams of water and will bear fruit in season, and whose leaves will not wither; what we do will prosper. This means our faith will be strong and unwavering, and God will bless the work of our hands.
The Word of God is indeed an oasis of His wisdom and presence because the Word of God is God Himself. Christ is the Logos that existed from the beginning, the creator God, the source of all life and all things.
No matter how busy we are or whatever deadlines we have to rush, take some moments to read the Word. Read it slowly and prayerfully. Internalise and think about the Word constantly. There will be new revelations, new insights, new things, and new aspects of God that we will learn and appreciate as we read. The message today is not to neglect to read His Word daily. It must be done every day, no matter how busy or hectic our schedules are. Prioritise and do it, and we will experience His oasis of wisdom and presence for us.
Ronnie's Thoughts 