by Beverly Hutchinson McNeff

A Course in Miracles tells us that the answer to life’s challenges is here now. They will not be found by dwelling in the past or anticipating the future but by focusing on the power that is with us now. As we read, “God is here, and with you now.” (T-24.VI.1)

This comforting truth may not take away the issues you faced in the past or are afraid of in the future, but this truth will give you the peace and awareness to calm those issues now.

As I was flipping through Hugh Prather’s beautiful Morning Notes: 365 Meditations to Wake You Up I was struck by the thought below. It was just what I needed to hear, so I know it will also bless you. It gave me such peace to be reminded once again that God is with me always – loving me, not judging me.

Never think of a mistake you made without remembering the loving
presence of the One who was there at the time and did not judge you.

Picturing the divine within the past is closer to the Truth than picturing a scene devoid of Light. I can’t change the past, but I can transform it. God was there when it happened, embracing me and everyone. By adding this Truth to the memory, I heal the source of pain. (Note 348)

Every day we face issues that we wish we had done or handled differently. If you are sitting in anger, guilt, or resentment over the past, maybe it’s time to allow it to be transformed. Do you really think you were alone in the painful situation or the hurtful act? God was there. Adding that awareness to our painful memories helps us heal because now we are healing the real source of our hurt: the feeling that we could be separate from God.

The presence of God is like a good friend. We feel so much better when we are able to sit down with a good friend and talk. The friend doesn’t have to say anything – in fact, it is probably better when they don’t. The fact that they are there and listening tells us that they love us, and care much more than any words could say.

God is always with us. I have seen that firsthand over the years. There were moments when I felt His presence so strongly and other times when I felt alone. But was I alone? Or was I just unwilling to experience His love? I can be willing now, though. I can know that God is with me everywhere I go. He is not distant just because I have chosen to distance myself from His love. He simply waits for me to change my mind.

So, as we walk through this day, let us remind ourselves who walks with us … “I walk with God in perfect holiness.” As workbook lesson 156 from A Course in Miracles tells us:

“‘Who walks with me?’ This question should be asked a thousand times a day, till certainty has ended doubting and established peace. Today let doubting cease. God speaks for you in answering your question with these words: I walk with God in perfect holiness. I light the world, I light my mind and all the minds which God created one with me.”

May you feel God’s love. And, if you ever doubt this, please know that we at the Center are here in loving gratitude for your presence in our lives.

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