p. 10 | REFLECTIONS by Kathrina Blossom Wilcox

Pacific Press Publishing Company · Mountain View, California · Oct 3, 1906

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 32, No. 38.

REFLECTIONS.

By Kathrina Blossom Wilcox

At the close of the day when the evening shadows gather and the mantle of night drops gently down to robe the quiet earth, and the star-besprinkled heavens hang above like a great canopy studded with sparkling diamonds, then how sweet it is to bow in the presence of the Infinite! This is the silent season of communion, of heart-searching, when we examine ourselves, look back over the day's record, and ask our loving, forgiving Father to pardon, in the name of His dear Son, every thought or word or look or action which has been in any way displeasing to Him.

We claim His promises, and as our petitions silently wing their way to the throne above, we accept His answer; for He has said: "Before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear." Then what a sweetness and peace comes over us as we seek our rest! We can truly say with the psalmist, "I will both lay me down in peace, and sleep; for Thou, Lord, only makest me dwell in safety!"

And then, when the dewdrops sparkle on the grass and the morning calls us to light and life, and we awake refreshed for the duties of another day, we again feel with David of old: "I laid me down and slept; I awaked; for the Lord sustained me."

But before we enter upon the labors of the day, we must not forget to kneel in humble adoration and lift our hearts in praise and thanksgiving to the Father of all for His tender love and watchful care toward us.

How precious His promises seem as we seek Him for strength and wisdom, which we know is His alone to give. We know not how we may be tried and tested and tempted. But we do know that His "grace is sufficient;" "He will not suffer us to be tempted above that we are able to bear;" His help is sure, His love is constant, His truth is steadfast, His promises are unchanging.

How sweet to hold communion with Him, and how we would linger longer at the sacred altar and continue to receive of His hallowed blessings! But stern duty calls us forth, and we go out with His daily benediction resting upon us—His servants, witnesses for Him, laborers in His vineyard.

And again at the busy noonday hour, amid the hurry and bustle and confusion of Life's rush and turmoil, in the midst of business or household cares and perplexities, can we not pause for a moment at the threshold of heaven to renew our strength and replenish our ammunition from the storehouse of infinite resource?

Then shall we know that we are not alone; we know that He "will never leave us or forsake us," and thus fortified, the humblest task, the severest trial, the hardest temptation, the greatest disappointment, can be cheerfully and patiently borne. He will bear them for us.

Teach us, Lord, to trust Thee more, Serve Thee not as oft before, Claim Thy promises each day, Ever walk the narrow way.

Live for Thee each day, each hour, Give the best of life and power All to Thee; in service sweet Lay our offerings at Thy feet.

KATHRINA BLOSSOM WILCOX.