As we take this cinematic journey through Psalms together, I encourage you to listen to the album and each song on your favorite music streaming service first, for pure enjoyment and also to see how God may speak to you through the music. If you want to go deeper Psalm 23 is down below. You can also read and reflect on the spiritual and musical inspirations behind each song while you listen or in silence as a quiet devotional. Wishing you God’s grace and peace, Stanton

Track seven Oasis of Peace is all about the last word in the song title—peace. God’s peace. Even though we all have this innate desire for peace, it is often elusive in such a busy and noisy world. The Eternal Beauty album project is the first time I had all the songs and titles in order from the very beginning, before I composed the first note. God inspired me with the challenge to compose each song in order before going on to the next. This meant Oasis of Peace would be the seventh composition and track, and the opening piece for the album’s second half. Even though we want peace it can take time to be ready to receive it. I wanted the six songs leading up to this one to each play a part in preparing the way for a beautiful, restful invitation to receive God’s peace that only He can offer.

In most Bible translations Psalm 23:2 says, “he leads me beside still waters” or “quiet waters.” A few use the words “refreshing waters.” The Passion Bible, like The Message, is a paraphrase and not a word-for-word translation, with an aim to be a highly readable, heart-level expression of Scripture. In this version Psalm 23:2 reads, “an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss,” and this poetic phrase inspired the title. 

Musically this song uses the piano and a smaller ensemble of instruments to convey a sense of peace. My composing desire was to offer God’s peace from the first note, and for the main theme and secondary themes to help us slow down and receive it. Oasis of Peace is the third song I have composed with the word “peace” in the title. Perfect Peace (2020) was inspired by Isaiah 26:3, “You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” Peace (2005) came from John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” My two Christmas albums to date also include it—December Peace and December Peace II.

I encourage you to read Psalm 23 slowly or a few times as you listen to Oasis of Peace. You can also reflect on the words below that enrich the title’s meaning.

Oasis: refuge, haven, safe haven, retreat, sanctuary, shelter, resting place, hiding place.

Peace: calmness, restfulness, peace and quiet, silence, noiselessness, stillness, solitude, tranquility, composure, rest, repose, ease, comfort, contentment, security, bliss.

How does Oasis of Peace speak to you?

Psalm 23 (Passion) —OASIS OF PEACE

1 Yaweh is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough. 2 He offers a resting place for me in his luxurious love. His tracks take me to an oasis of peace near the quiet brook of bliss. 3 That’s where he restores and revives my life. He opens before me the right path and leads me along his footsteps of righteousness so that I can bring honor to his name. 4 Even when your path takes me through the valley of deepest darkness, fear will never conquer me, for you already have! Your authority is my strength and my peace. The comfort of your love takes away my fear. I’ll never be lonely, for you are near. 5 You become my delicious feast even when my enemies dare to fight. You anoint me with the fragrance of your Holy Spirit, you give me all I can drink of you until my cup overflows. 6 So why would I fear the future? Only goodness and tender love pursue me all the days of my life. Then afterward, when my life is through, I’ll return to your glorious presence to be forever with you!