LESSON 235
August 23
"God in His mercy wills that I be saved."
PRACTICE SUMMARY
(See Part II Practice Summary, and also Part II Introduction)
COMMENTARY
If we look at our own thoughts honestly we will be able to see many ways in which we believe the direct opposite of today's lesson. We think, "God in His anger wills that I be punished." Somewhere in each of us is a pathetic voice telling us that we must deserve whatever we get in the way of pain, or that what joy we have may be taken from us because we are undeserving of it.
To those who begin to list their complaints about the world and how it mistreats them, the Course has very abrupt advice: "give up these foolish thoughts!" (M-15.3:1). It is in my power to reverse these things. All I need to do is to assure myself, "God wills that I be saved from this" (1:1). God does not will my pain, my sadness, or my loneliness. By changing the way I think of all this, I can change the world.
We think our hurt and sadness is caused by the events of the world; the Course is teaching us that it is the other way around. Our belief in God's anger is what brings us suffering; our belief in His mercy and love can transform our lives. What needs changing is not out there in the world, but here, in my own mind. Let me today remember, Father, that I am "safe forever in [Your] arms" (1:3). Let the thought that You will my happiness fill my mind today. If You are Love, if you love me, what else could You want for me?
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Arizona, USA.
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