The
idea for today is, of course, the reason why a meaningless world is impossible. What God
did not create does not exist. And everything that does exist exists as He created it. The
world you see has nothing to do with reality. It is of your own making, and it does not
exist.
The
exercises for today are to be practiced with eyes closed throughout. The mind-searching
period should be short, a minute at most. Do not have more than three practice periods
with today’s idea unless you find them comfortable. If you do, it will be because you
really understand what they are for.
The
idea for today is another step in learning to let go the thoughts that you have written on
the world, and see the Word of God in their place. The early steps in this exchange, which
can truly be called salvation, can be quite difficult and even quite painful. Some of them
will lead you directly into fear. You will not be left there. You will go far beyond it.
Our direction is toward perfect safety and perfect peace.
With
eyes closed, think of all the horrors in the world that cross your mind. Name each one as
it occurs to you, and then deny its reality. God did not create it, and so it is not real.
Say, for example:
God did not create that war,
and so it is not real.
God did not create that airplane crash,
and so it is not real.
God did not create that disaster [specify],
and so it is not real.
Suitable
subjects for the application of today’s idea also include anything you are afraid
might happen to you, or to anyone about whom you are concerned. In each case, name the
“disaster” quite specifically. Do not use general terms. For example, do not
say, “God did not create illness,” but, “God did not create cancer,”
or heart attacks, or whatever may arouse fear in you.
This
is your personal repertory of horrors at which you are looking. These things are part of
the world you see. Some of them are shared illusions, and others are part of your personal
hell. It does not matter. What God did not create can only be in your own mind apart from
His. Therefore, it has no meaning. In recognition of this fact, conclude the practice
periods by repeating today’s idea:
God did not create a meaningless world.
The
idea for today can, of course, be applied to anything that disturbs you during the day,
aside from the practice periods. Be very specific in applying it. Say:
God did not create a meaningless world.
He did not create [specify the situation which is
disturbing you],
and so it is not real.