By Dr. John Wm. Roberts, Ed.D., Contributing Writer
Reflection is a natural phenomenon. The music of the church has always been a vehicle for my reflection. As I march toward the title of ‘octogenarian,’ I have more time to reflect about God’s influence in and on my life. Dottie Rambo wrote “He looked beyond my fault and saw my need.” It is human to want the best things of and from life; however, upon reflection, our wants are not necessarily our needs.
“There’s a quiet place where I can talk to the Lord. There’s a quiet place where I can listen to the Lord; It’s close by, it’s not far away, and He will hear us when we pray; and that quiet place, it’s hidden in my heart.” These contemplative words were written by the late Cissy Houston and her daughter, the late Whitney Houston. How many times during our lives have we needed to retreat inward and reflect with God about our past, our present, and hopefully our future. Our past can’t be rewritten, and our present is still being written which, in time, will become our past. As Spring brings the signs of rebirth with flowers blooming in gardens, the sounds of birds chirping announcing each bright new day, the words of C. Austin Miles envelop my mind. “I come to the garden alone, While the dew is still on the roses; And the voice I hear, falling on my ear, The Son of God discloses. And He walks with me, and He talks with me, and He tells me I am His own; And the joy we share, as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” The ‘we’ in the words do not reflect two or more people, but just me and God. The soft breeze brushing the contours of my face is God announcing His presence, giving me the spiritual authority to reflect on my life and how, in His omniscient Grace, He has always been an influence in my life when I may not have acknowledged His presence openly. These moments of reflection remind me…” He is always looking out for me. Always busy opening doors, that I don’t even see. I don’t have to worry for He takes good care of me, For Jesus is looking out for me.” These words of Rev. Jimmie L. Banks solidify these moments of reflection.
As the time of reflection nears its end, Bertha Mae Lillenas’ words come to my mind…
” Sometimes our skies are cloudy and dreary, sometimes our hearts are burdened with far; But we may know, whate’er may befall us, Jesus is always there. ‘Lo, I am with you always,’ is written, God will not fail to answer our prayer; Trusting His word we rest in His promise – Jesus is always there. Never a burden that He doth not carry Never a sorry that He doth not share; Whether the days may be sunny or dreary, Jesus is always there.”
No matter what or where may constitute your quiet place…Reflect, renew and realize “Jesus Is Always There.”
