"And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water," ISA 35:7a.

This word "parched", found in our text, is taken from the Hebrew word "sharab." It is translated to mean, "glare, quivering glow of the air, especially the mirage:--parched ground." A mirage is an optical illusion caused by the reflection of light making distant objects appear very near. In this light we shall approach our text to read, "The mirage shall become a pool."

In context this Scripture refers to journeying through the desert and trackless wilderness. In Bible times men made these journeys with camels, or often afoot. As they would journey, they would become very thirsty; and long to arrive at an oasis where they could become refreshed with some cold water.

As the sun would beat down upon them, they would see a pool of water close at hand. They would become so encouraged with the thought of finding an oasis where they could relax and refresh themselves, but when they would arrive at that point they found nothing but glowing sand--there was no water. It was just the reflection of the sun on the glowing sand. It was a mirage, which is an optical illusion.

Our life in this world is like one taking a journey through a desert or trackless wilderness. David said, "I am a stranger with thee, and a sojourner, as all my fathers were."

Oh, beloved, how often we see a mirage as we travel our wilderness journey and find that we were following an optical illusion. Oh, how often in our life we pursue things that turn out to be so empty; they turn out to be nothing but a mirage!

Everyone is looking for peace, joy and happiness through one source or another. Ever since man lost the image of God in the garden of Eden, Ge 1:26, 3:7-11, there has been an empty place in the heart--a desire for true happiness which cannot be filled with anything besides the love of God. By nature man will attempt to fill that empty place with the things of this world-- outside of God and Christ.

Most often we seek happiness in entertainment’s, wealth, intellectual interests, debating and discussions, marriage, or some change of business, environment or location -- thinking that a new start will make everything right.

After a lifetime of pursuing happiness in these things, Scripture says it is all a mirage. It is all empty outside of Christ! It is in Christ that the mirage shall become a pool in which we shall find water for a thirsty soul.

"Blessed are they which hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled," M't 5:6. "Christ is a fountain of living water," Joh 4:14. "Jesus stood and cried saying, if any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink," Joh 7:37. As long as we find pleasure and satisfaction in this world, Jesus has, "no beauty that we should desire him," Isa 53:2.

When God has brought us through the furnace of affliction to purge away all this dross with sickness, bereavement and disappointments we see such a beauty in the Man of Sorrows, who is acquainted with grief.

"For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need," Heb 4:15- 16. Amen.