I took a long walk this morning.

When I started there were clouds and a gentle, cooling breeze. But then, the clouds disappeared and the sun blazed.  The mercury climbed into the nineties. I scolded myself for not having brought along a hat.

After half an hour, perspiration poured down my face. Trees overhung the sidewalk about every 200 yards or so, and I looked forward to pausing a bit whenever I walked under their shade.

Even the cottontail bunnies were smarter than I am. They’d already sought shelter in the coolness of their dens.

But I trucked on, intent on completing my six-mile circuit.

At the halfway point, I went into a Starbucks and bought the biggest iced coffee they offer. I sat in the shade and re-hydrated before shoving off for the second three miles.

Were it not for the shade of trees and the knowledge that a coffee place offered liquid refreshment, I don’t know if I would have ventured on such a long walk.

Ancient Middle Eastern caravans used to travel from oasis to oasis in order to reach other cities.  In those arid, sun-searing lands,  their lifeline was the watering hole.

God sustains us in a similar way in our spiritual walk. How comforting to know that He knows our need and is quick to provide an Oasis: His Word.

Not just to read it, but to rely on it, for protection, provision, refreshment.

Turn to His Word daily, converse with Him and you’ll have a well-watered soul.

“As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul pants for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God.” (Psalm 42: 1,2 NIV Bible)