People often complain about not feeling God’s presence. The feeling of loneliness or isolation is often because thought is bound in self. The human ego is a lonely dark place. The quickest way out is to love God more, live that love unselfishly toward others, and leave the impoverished ego with all its self-centered wants and desires behind.
“Those most unselfish are nearest God.”
~ Mary Baker Eddy, We Knew Mary Baker Eddy, Volume II, p. 539.
Important point, thank you Evan!
I don’t find that praying to have one’s basic needs met (food,shelter,clothing) are “self centered wants and desires”. Everyone is not at your Spiritual level of consciousness and are praying every day to feel closer to God and to gain the understanding so that those needs are met.Obviously loving one’s neighbor as oneself is imperative Also I don’t think people are “complaining” about not feeling God’s presence but are longing to feel God’s presence.I think there is a difference. “One can attract a lot more bears with honey than with vinegar”..
Thank you Evan. Good food for thought to start the day.
If I understand Al correctly, I agree wholehardly with him. It’s the motive that counts. The desire to be unselfish even if we don’t succeed right away is showing God that we are trying and that’s important. There is no condemnation to those who try and don’t succeed at it. JUST KEEP ON TRYING!
Today’s Monitor article called “Me First” has some helpful ideas about this subject.
Our perception of what we hear or read can color our view of what is said. Today’s Daily Lift and the first article in the 3/2/15 Sentinel enlarge upon and perhaps clarify today’s Spitirview. They are all spot one, from my point of view.
Have a joyous day, all!!
Wonderful Evan, thank you. For me, healing the sense of separation from God comes through transcendence, going beyond the five senses and the mind’s constant activity. I feel we commune with God by listening and that comes through stillness, openess and receptivity. As Chopra said, “Open yourself to the possibility that God loves you, that you belong in this world in order to have everything a loving father could give. Even if your present reality doesn’t permit a wholehearted acceptance of this attitude, open a window. Love is more than a feeling that comes and goes. It’s a permanent aspect of your own being, beginning at the source.”
Thanks Evan. The lessening of self or ego is important in other religious and spiritual traditions. A good way to realize, Al, that I God’s eyes you are already at Evan’s level is to make gratitude lists daily. These can start out very basic, as in hot water from the tap! Or any water at all. Doing this automatically brings you closer to God. You will definitely see and feel it, right where you are.
Getting self out of the way is very important. I love the idea that the more unselfish we are the closer we are to God. My goal would be to be 100%
unselfish . Express more love, kindness, support, generousity , patience, understanding , caring and so forth to others. Thanks for opening up these thoughts.
Many years back when I was in school, my Moral Science teacher taught us – The more you know about God, the more closer you go to Him the happier you will feel. This lesson has always stayed with me. If our focus is on God all the time, we shall always be peaceful and cheerful. Moreover all our needs will be met in the most beautiful way and God will fill our treasures. The scriptures also teach – If we Seek the Kingdom of God FIRST and His righteousness, then everything else shall be added unto it. Its the Fathers good pleasure to give us the Kingdom,
A person who always thinks of helping others, how to bring happiness in everyones life is always blessed. If we forget ourself in the service of others then we shall be miles away from DEPRESSION. Thanks Evan for the lovely inspirations which are so helpful indeed. God bless.