When I entered the church
that I had grown up in to attend my Aunt Margaret’s Memorial Service, I felt
like I had come home. Being there brought countless memories. From my infancy
through my marriage, Bethlehem Lutheran Church had a major influence in growing
my faith in Jesus Christ. From all the church activities my family was involved
in, like Sunday school and church services, Vacation Bible School, Luther
League, choir, Christmas programs, special services, etc., my favorite experience
was being in the sanctuary alone with Jesus. In fact, I claimed it as my
“oasis” amidst the often confusing and challenging ways of the world.
When I thought of an oasis, I imagined an attractive
area filled with an array of trees and shrubbery along with a beautiful
assortment of flowers, like a secret garden.
A pool of water or several watering holes might have been dispersed
among the growing vegetation. An oasis in the middle of a desert offered rest,
refreshment, and renewal to the sun-parched travelers crossing the arid
land. It was a place of refuge and
safety, a place to regain energy and zeal, and a place to recondition one’s
mind and body. Likewise, the church, the
physical structure, a place to worship God, became my personal oasis.
Today, whenever I walk into any place of worship,
whether it is my “hometown” church or one of the many I’ve attended through the
years, I feel a special sense of His Presence.
This awareness is difficult to describe because it comes from within. I
must admit I am more in tune with this awareness when I am alone in God’s
house. However, its similarity is to that
of my personal oasis of my youth. I find rest, refreshment, and renewal within
its walls.
Once inside the church, I am greeted by a quiet, calm
atmosphere that relaxes not only my body but also my mind. As I sit in a pew or
on a chair, I pause for rest because life’s trials often wear me down. Peace
surrounds me and the only disturbance might be a passing vehicle outside. I
take time to look at the surroundings and marvel at the various pieces of art
displayed through stained-glass windows or elaborate, cloth banners. It’s a beautiful setting, giving honor to God
through works of art.
As I rest, I find myself becoming refreshed. There in the presence of my Father, I feel no
condemnation because as Romans 8:1 states, “There is therefore now no
condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the
flesh, but according to the Spirit.” I
can be myself…no pretense. I can freely express myself without interruption,
insult, or correction while God gently listens. Of course, I am certainly aware
of my shortcomings but more fully aware of His unfailing love and forgiveness.
This time of prayer brings my refreshment.
There in the quiet I notice that my inner strength and
confidence are being renewed. My attitude toward myself, toward others, and
toward life in general is becoming positive and hopeful once again. I have the
faith and reassurance that God is continually by my side. “And the LORD, He is
the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor
forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.” Deut. 31:8. With a sigh, I’m reluctant to leave this
peaceful sanctuary and return to the world outside. But for a brief moment, I have
found rest, refreshment and renewal.
May you, my readers, find your personal “oasis”.
“Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him…” Psalm 37:7a
“Repent therefore and
be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence
of the Lord…” Acts 3:19
“Create in me a clean
heart, O God, and renew a steadfast
spirit within me.” Psalm 51: 10
