Isolation, Deprivation, and Lack

“A major contribution of miracles is their strength in releasing you from your false sense of isolation, deprivation, and lack.  (T6)”

 

Affirmation:  “I am not isolated, deprived, or lacking–except by my own choice.”

Reflections:

1 – Happy vs. Dark Times

All too often our experience in the world, over the course of our lifetime, is not good.  We know some “happy” times, but these are balanced by dark times.  The Course says that this oscillating nature of life is to be expected.

2 – Personal Experience

If our moods vacillate a good bit, perhaps we need to take a look at our mental health.  If problems that merit a medical intervention are ruled out, then reading A Course in Miracles would be much recommended.  I find that a few minutes of reading, really focusing on the words and content (but not trying to read ahead very rapidly), will immediately put me in a better frame of mind.  Anxiety is also curbed, and this is something that Jesus recommends just before bedtime.  As the Manual suggests, the study and quiet time will orient us away from fear and thereby prepare the mind for rest and sleep.

3 – When Miracles Come

But the oscillating nature of life is expected until we come under the benign grace of miracles.  We then no longer feel so alone and lacking.  Jesus notes that this sense of isolation is a “false” sense, as we are indeed surrounded by the grace of Heaven.  Jesus promises that he will be with us when we ask.  He also mentions “Teachers of teachers” (M64) who help us when the need is there.  (And is there ever a time when the need is not there?)  These Teachers of teachers are, I believe from my reading, on the Other Side, but come in our vicinity when we ask for help.  Jesus suggests elsewhere that the body would not be long maintained if the presence of God were sustained indefinitely.  (This is not the same state, I would suggest, as the Awakening, after which Christ-consciousness is sustained.)

4 – Reassurance

We can ask for miracles and they will be ours.  This is the reassurance of Jesus.

Prayer:

Dear Father/Mother,

I would live a full life today, one without deprivation or lack.  A lot of this is belief in the promises of Jesus in the Course.  May all of us realize that we do not have to live in deprivation.

May I turn to ACIM today when things look grim.  My days always go better when I spend the time that I need with You.  Help me not to forget You today.

Amen.