“Yet planning is not often recognized as a defense. (ACIM, WB254)”
Affirmation: “May I not be tempted to ‘plan’ today.”
Reflections:
We are great planners in this world. Our careers almost demand it of us. Yet living in a spiritual sense does not emphasize planning. We are told in A Course in Miracles that we will be told when and how to plan, when the need arises. But we are not to look for those times, for they are far fewer than most of us realize.
We are meant to lean on God, to lean on His mercy in this troubled world–indeed, in our troubled lives. We may even have been told to “Go to God,” when we are tangled up. (I was once told that by a close friend.)
A Course in Miracles would have us to turn to the Holy Spirit for our guidance through life. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is seen in Christianity as one part of the Trinity–Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Unfortunately, we often make our decisions ourselves, and then turn inward for guidance. And, as ACIM says, the guidance that we hear may not coincide with what we have already decided, and so we are confounded.
Today let us vow to make no plans without first asking for guidance. God is the All, and His essence is also a part of our inwardness. Turn inward with confidence that the answer found there will be sufficient, without the planning that would only confuse our future acts.
Prayer:
Dear Father/Mother,
Thank You that today, at least, I have been diligent in listening to the Holy Spirit for my guidance. Help me to do so consistently, day after day after day. Help me to learn how the Holy Spirit and Christ-consciousness coincide. I am teachable, dear Lord.
May I resist the troubling desire to plan in advance, because I realize that such planning can often even be counterproductive. May I hear your Word to know when planning is needed, and, perhaps even more, when planning is not needed.
Amen.
ACIM Workbook Lesson for Day 140:
Only salvation can be said to cure.
