“There is one thought in particular that should be remembered throughout the day. It is a thought of pure joy; a thought of peace, a thought of limitless release, limitless because all things are freed within it. (ACIM, M41)”
Affirmation: “pure joy and limitless release”
Reflections:
We are meant to be joyous, even in the midst of a world that has many woes. We pray for its improvement, and we do what we can to improve our part of this world. Yet we miss the point if we fail to rejoice in the good news that God has found in us his people, and that God has given to us the means to be joyous.
We will not always avoid pain and struggle, and perhaps this is not bad. We can normally avoid escalating our troubles into real suffering if we turn to God. We may often fail in the endeavor to give over our problems to God’s true answers, but if we fail, we do well to pick ourselves up and try again next time. And, when we forget to turn to Him, may we know always that He does not forget us. Even when the way seems the most severe, He is carrying us.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
Sometimes I find it hard to be joyous. Perhaps I find it hard because I am thinking “hard.” I can do much to improve my frame of mind by thinking “joy.” Help me to know this blessing today.
I have often returned to A Course in Miracles and the phrases, “pure joy” and “limitless release.” Jesus said that these were thoughts to keep in mind throughout the day. May I do so today.
Amen.
ACIM Workbook Lesson for Day 135:
If I defend myself I am attacked.
