Tag: bible

Confronting Fear

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Fear stands out as one of the most damaging emotions we can experience. It has the unique ability to disrupt our peace of mind and undermine our overall well-being. Despite its harmful effects, fear is deeply ingrained in the human experience—so much so that it seems to be as natural and inevitable as the very act of breathing.

One reason fear is so widespread is that we often focus our attention on the external things we fear, rather than examining the nature of fear itself. By concentrating on these fearful objects or situations, we allow fear to persist and take root in our lives, making it a common and recurring presence.

According to the Gospel accounts, Jesus entered Jerusalem during the final week of his life, fully aware of the danger that awaited him. Even as he understood the gravity of his situation, he did not shy away from facing it. Just before his arrest, Jesus prayed for the removal of the circumstance he feared most—the very event that would lead to his death. Despite this, he ultimately surrendered to the path before him, expressing acceptance with the words, “Thy will, not mine, be done.”

This story offers a profound lesson for us. Often, our prayers focus on asking for the removal of what we fear, rather than seeking the strength and understanding to overcome fear itself. If we shift our perspective and examine why we choose this destructive response, our object of fear can provide the opportunity for spiritual growth and enlightenment. The real challenge is to reach a place where, even if what we fear remains, we no longer feel afraid.

By setting aside our fear-based reaction—which seeks conditional freedom from fear—and allowing God’s greater will of freedom and power to prevail, we discover that experiencing the circumstance without fear is truly possible.

We can experience our own triumphal entry by using a fearful moment to confront our fear, to truly examine what it is that is prompting us to choose this negative response. Fear loses its power, not when circumstances change, but when we no longer grant it authority within us. What we once avoided becomes the very doorway through which courage and clarity emerge.

I Am Enough

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For many years, I carried the belief that I was spiritually lacking. I thought that by accumulating more spiritual knowledge, I would eventually feel fulfilled. This mindset is not unique to me; I have met many others who share this same perspective.

During my Unity Bible studies, I was encouraged to view the Bible as a story of human consciousness evolving over time. The narrative begins with Adam and Eve, who represent a fall from an ideal state, after which humanity has been striving to recover and reach the level of Jesus Christ—the one who is seen as having achieved this highest state. While the message is subtle, it leaves the impression that, as a member of the human race, I am incomplete and must constantly work to reach that goal.

Over the years, I have realized that this very system might be the root of my sense of spiritual inadequacy. On a spiritual level, I am already complete. The mistakes I make, which bring discomfort or hardship, usually stem from forgetting my true nature. Yet, even my greatest moments of spiritual short-sightedness are not final failures. I always have the opportunity to recover, learn, and try again.

Reflecting on my childhood church experiences, I recall how the minister would make an altar call every Sunday as the congregation sang the hymn, Just As I Am. This was a comforting tradition, as it emphasized that I was welcome just as I was—no matter my human flaws or circumstances. The message was clear: I only needed to show up as myself.

Declaring “I am enough” does not mean we stop growing or learning. Instead, it affirms that our pursuit of knowledge and growth is driven by genuine desire, not by a sense of obligation or inadequacy.

House on the Rock

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Part 2 of 2

3. Human beings create their experiences by the activity of their thoughts. (Thoughts held in mind produce after their kind/The formative power of thought/Law of Mind Action.)

4. Prayer is creative thinking that aligns us with God and helps us manifest good. (Or: Prayer and meditation connect us to our spiritual nature within God; often includes affirmations and denials as tools.)

5. Knowing and understanding spiritual laws is not enough; we must also live the truth we know. (The law of demonstration/We must walk the talk/Practice makes presence—applying the principles in daily life.)

* * *

Though these last three points are included as principles, they address specific outcomes based on the fundamental principle of oneness embodied in the first two points we covered last week. For example, if there is only one presence and one power, God the good, why do humans suffer? #3 addresses this issue.

Concerning point #4: Is all prayer creative thinking that aligns us with God? No. Only prayer that is grounded in the principle of oneness does this. Some traditional forms of prayer (petitionary) perpetuate the belief that we are separate from God. Prayer is not a principle; it is a technique that can either align with the principle of oneness or reinforce the principle of separation.

Finally, item #5 points to the importance of living the truth we know. All people are currently living the truth as they understand it. The distinguishing factor is found in what we mean by truth. This is defined in our understanding of God, ourselves, and the nature of our relationship with God, as addressed in the first two points.

To apply this fundamental principle of oneness in life, I start with my actual situation. As an expression of God, I am a spiritual being, inhabiting a physical body, and navigating through a material world. The notion that I live and move and have my being in God becomes my beacon. Though my soul is not subject to time, space, or gravity, my body is. So, my primary concern is this: How does a spiritual being live in a material world?

A composer can receive in a flash the idea for a piece of music. It may take him years to compose it. When we pray, we get in a flash a picture of the perfect outcome of our situation. The fact of our physicality and the laws it is subject to may require time to manifest. We make a persistent effort to hold to the truth that there is but one presence and one power, that we are perfect expressions of that power, and that nothing can diminish our relationship of oneness with our spiritual source. This paradigm of oneness is the only principle we need to remember to apply in any given situation. This is the rock upon which you build your house of consciousness.    

Active Imagination

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“ Behold, I stand at the door and knock; if any one hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me” (Revelation 3:20).

Most people are familiar with this passage from the book of Revelation. Its purpose was to convey the idea that the second coming of Jesus was imminent, encouraging the wise to live as though he was already at the door and that significant changes were about to unfold.

This verse represents an important principle for anyone genuinely interested in spiritual awakening. The person standing at the door and knocking is not Jesus, but rather you—your higher self, your complete soul. The desire for more arises because we are inherently more. This greater part of ourselves stands at the door of our consciousness, persistently knocking.

Imagine being in your house while someone knocks at your door. With a “No Solicitors” sign posted, you choose not to answer. The knocking continues, so you block your ears with cotton, turn up the music, and sing along to drown out the sound. Yet the knocking persists.

Eventually, you are compelled to open the door and address the situation. Metaphorically, this reflects what happens at the spiritual level.

In her book Lessons in Truth, Emilie Cady writes:

With a restlessness that is pitiful to see, people are ever shifting from one thing to another, always hoping to find rest and satisfaction in some anticipated accomplishment or possession.

This restlessness originates in our soul. Being complete, it continually pushes at the door of our consciousness, patiently waiting for us to cease shifting from one thing to another and simply open the door.

To do this, we begin by understanding that fulfillment is not found in accomplishments or acquisitions. The spiritual unrest we feel is our wholeness seeking expression.

Today’s lesson introduces a technique developed by Carl Jung, where we envision a dialogue with the one—ourselves—who stands at the door and knocks. Jung called this method Active Imagination. I think you’ll find it helpful in addressing your own sense of spiritual unrest.

Dwelling in the House of the Lord

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“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Many of us hope to leave a legacy of “goodness and mercy,” a wake of influence that touches people in positive and enlightening ways. I sense this was a desire of the author of the 23rd Psalm, for he certainly accomplished it with this piece of work. I would also imagine he understood that if goodness and mercy were to follow him, he would need to consciously strive to be good and merciful in his own daily affairs. Emerson said the same thing in a slightly different way: If you want to be a great soul, be a great soul now.

The first half of the last line in this famous psalm is an affirmative reminder of what is required of us if we want to make a positive, constructive impact on our world. We learn to give what we want to receive, to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. It is not difficult to leave someone feeling better than when you found them. A simple kind word or act may be all it takes to turn their day around. Random acts of kindness has become a catch phrase, and yet such acts quietly performed will do more to increase your quality of life, and the quality of life for others, than you can imagine.

The more we give our light to the world, the more we realize that we already dwell in the house of the Lord. Being a conscious giver opens our eyes to things we cannot see when we’re drawn in upon ourselves. The world becomes a brighter place because we bring the much needed light of compassion.

Make a conscious decision today to look for ways you can sow seeds of goodness and mercy, to brighten a moment for someone, to bring optimism to the gloomy prospects that another may be facing. See your life as “the house of the Lord,” full of opportunities to serve, to bless others, and to be blessed in return. 

My Cup Overflows

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Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of my enemies; thou anointest my head with oil, my cup overflows.

This line from the 23rd Psalm is rich with the ideas of protection and prosperity. The preparation of the table in the presence of enemies is a way of affirming, Greater good is unfolding even when things appear to be working against me.

 This is an important understanding to affirm because it is absolutely true. When our life takes an unexpected turn for the worse, we often react in ways that rob us of our peace and our creative optimism. The psalmist provides a key that enables us to stay centered in the truth: This thing is not as it appears. A banquet of good is set before you. Know this and be at peace.

Oil is a symbol of prosperity, both materially and spiritually. The head is a symbol of wisdom, intelligence. The Bible describes Joseph, for example, as “a head above his brothers,” meaning, he was sharper. The image of God anointing your head with oil is a way of reminding you to open your mind to the infinite, divine possibilities both of a spiritual and material nature. In times of stress, we close our minds to all but the apparent problem, and it appears that our world is falling apart. God never ceases working, anointing you with everything you need to prosper through your challenges.

The image of the cup overflowing is the most obvious. See yourself overflowing with the light, life, and intelligence of God, touching everyone and everything that concerns you with peace, order, and an abundance of good. Our prosperity begins from within us and works its way out into our affairs. We literally overflow with divine energy. As we affirm and visualize this truth, we enhance its prospering activity in all that concerns us.   

Finding Peace in the Valley

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Part 4 of 6

Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff, they comfort me.

The phrase valley of the shadow of death is thought to refer to a time when shepherds would guide their flocks through narrow valleys. In these places, predators could hide among the shadows cast by rocks and trees, using the terrain to ambush the flock. This imagery conveys a sense of danger and vulnerability, emphasizing the risks present in life’s challenging passages.

Regardless of historical accuracy, the valley represents a place of danger. Metaphysically, valleys symbolize low moments in consciousness, in contrast to mountains, which are seen as moments of enlightenment and spiritual clarity. Everyone experiences these low points, and during such times, feelings of vulnerability can arise, with threats—both real and imagined—seeming to loom large and threaten what we hold dear.

During these challenging moments, it’s helpful to affirm, as the Psalmist did: I do not fear this negative appearance. God is my protector, my refuge, my guide. By standing firm in this affirmation, we cultivate the confidence that visible good is imminent, even when uncertainty and fear seem to move in the shadows. This approach encourages strength, steadfastness, and the courage to continue moving forward.

Shadows can be deceptive. Even the gentlest person can appear sinister if a flashlight is held to their chin, casting unusual shadows across their face. Merely shifting the light changes the shadows, causing their negative effect to disappear. This analogy suggests that much of what frightens us is fleeting, dependent on perspective, and can shift with even a minor change in how we view our circumstances.

Life consists of valleys and mountaintop experiences. It is important to remember that God is present in all states of being, whether in moments of challenge or moments of joy. The 23rd Psalm serves as a powerful reminder of this truth. Even a slight movement of thought toward God can refresh faith, reassure us of life’s goodness, and remind us that today’s fears are temporary. Peace is available, even in the valley of the shadow of death, and awaits our recognition.

The Right Path

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Part 3 of 6 

He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

The Psalmist continues with the theme of spiritual guidance. The translators of the New Revised Standard Version of the Bible change the phrase, paths of righteousness, to right paths, a clarification that should prove helpful in our understanding of the idea contained in this line. In practice the path of righteousness is sometimes converted into an attitude of religious self-righteousness, one that is often condemning of those who hold beliefs that are not compatible with what we think is right. The simple thought that God is leading you in right paths is a powerful, affirmative attitude that allows you leave others to find the way that is most meaningful to them.

The word sake means for the good, the benefit or the welfare of somebody or something. In addition, Biblical names, particularly in the Old Testament, depicted a characteristic or the nature of a person or place. The phrase, for his name’s sake, can be thought of as meaning, for the benefit of his (God’s) nature. In other words, there is a right path for you, a way through which God seeks expression. In this line, you are affirming that God is leading you to your right path, one through which all the divine attributes of peace, health and the abundance of all good shines forth naturally.

In your times of quiet, let go of your grasping for answers. Looking outside of yourself and seeking the resolution to a problem is the cause of all tension of your mind, shortness of breath, and stress in your body. You are on the right path when you turn to God alone for guidance. You are complying with God’s nature that works from the center to the circumference of your being. You know you are on the right path when you feel the stress of groping for solutions begin to subside and the peace of trust in God rise from your center.

Affirm: God’s perfect peace is my right path and I choose this path now. Be still. The peace of stillness is your right path. 

The Lord is My Shepherd

The Lord is My Shepherd

23rd Psalm: Part 1 of 6 

The lord is my shepherd, I shall not want…

The 23rd Psalm has served as a source of comfort to millions over the years. It is a profound series of affirmations that, in challenging times, reminds us that there is a higher Presence working in and through us, and that we can trust this Presence to guide us to the right thing.

The Psalmist does not say, The lord wants to be my shepherd, and if I will love and promise to obey Him, He will take care of my wants. He says, “The lord is my shepherd…” He is stating a changeless relationship that we often forget, especially in our trying moments.

A shepherd is a caretaker, a protector, one that guides his or her flock to the best and least dangerous grazing spots. Isn’t this a wonderful image to hold of our relationship to God? Right now, you and I are being guided into the best and highest, the most bountiful place in life, the richest environment in which to learn and grow.

Pause for a moment to remember this. Allow yourself to let go and trust that you are in the right place at the right time, that unseen good is now unfolding through your experience. Get the feeling that you are being guided, that your unfulfilled longing is being satisfied in every way.

Affirm often: The lord is my shepherd, I shall not want, then listen for the quiet, gentle guidance that is calling you to trust, that is leading you to a deep, inner satisfaction. Know beyond all doubt that you are being lovingly guided through uncertain times, and through territory that may be unknown to you. Nothing is unknown to the lord of your being, to God, your unfailing source and protector. 

The Inner Alignment of Power and Intelligence

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Jesus’ teaching on faith that “moves mountains” is not a call to defy nature but an invitation to return to our inner center—the quiet place where divine power becomes strength and divine intelligence becomes light. True strength is not personal will but alignment with the Source from which all possibility arises. This week, the teaching on Power and Intelligence takes us deeper into that alignment, showing how the light of divine guidance directs the very power that sustains us.

When Jesus urges us to “believe and not doubt in the heart,” he is describing a shift in focus. The mountain symbolizes the problem that appears immovable. Faith is not pretending the mountain isn’t there; it is remembering that we are not defined by it.

The Genesis writer captured this inner movement with the first creative command: “Let there be light.” This was not physical light but the illumination of divine intelligence—the radiant clarity that brings order to chaos. Power provides the energy, and intelligence gives it direction. Together, they form the spiritual architecture of every breakthrough, every healing, every step toward wholeness.

Like King Jehoshaphat, we all know what it is to feel overwhelmed. His prayer—“We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon Thee”—is the perfect union of these two qualities. He releases reliance on personal strength and opens to the larger field of divine guidance (intelligence). The battle shifts from the outer to the inner field. The moment fear dissolves, clarity arises.

When we affirm “Let there be light,” we are not asking for something new to descend from the heavens; we are awakening what is already present in the soul. Divine intelligence is omnipresent, waiting for recognition. Power is ever-flowing, waiting for direction. When the two meet, mountains move—not by force, but by realization.

In quiet prayer, let your focus return to your center. Breathe in power; breathe out strength. Then affirm the light of intelligence is making your next step clear. This is the mystic’s path: strength without struggle, clarity without strain, and guidance arising from the indwelling Presence that never fails.