Article March 28, 1931 Issue

Our Spiritual Oasis

JUSTINE ROBERTS

In Webster's Dictionary the word "oasis" is defined as "a fertile or green spot in a waste or desert," and "fertile" is explained as meaning "fruitful; ... productive; rich." In the great wilderness of human plans and experiences, where evil is credited with power equal to or greater than good, we find the one traveling therein continually longing for a more lasting sense of harmony; but through his present ignorance of God as the one and only power he believes himself the unwilling victim of ever recurring discord, and so is prevented from finding harmony. With thought parched by the sense of lack and woe, he cries out for surcease from suffering, but knows not which way to turn until, like one who in crossing the hot sands of a desert comes suddenly upon an oasis and rests in the refreshing shade, he learns of Christian Science and finds the way to peace and happiness eternal. Joyously and bravely he continues his journey through the desert of human beliefs, along the path of promise. The way seems long, and many opportunities and experiences lie before him; but these spiritual oases, which are periods of ever closer communing with God, the one Mind, of absolute turning to Him as an ever present help in time of need, will be found all along the upward way.

"I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground," we read in Isaiah. One believes himself "thirsty" because he thinks he lacks something; that is, he believes he is separated from God. What he lacks is the understanding that man's needs are always abundantly supplied, and that through right thinking this spiritual fact will be manifested visibly in his human experience. The water of Truth is poured out freely for all mankind, and this holy inspiration satisfies as nothing else can. The dry ground may be likened to the thought which knows nothing of God or His abundant goodness. Mind knows not this thought, but, instead, sees only His perfect idea supplied with all it can possibly need of good and of spiritual joy. When prayer is turned heavenward, in true humility and honesty of purpose, the "dry ground" of mortal thought becomes fertile with the fruits of Spirit.

The Psalmist cries: "Whither shall I go from thy spirit? or whither shall I flee from thy presence? If I ascend up into heaven, thou art there.... If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea; even there shall thy hand lead me, and thy right hand shall hold me." The real man ceases not to find satisfaction at Spirit's overflowing fountain, because this fountain is Life eternal.

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Singing and Soaring
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