Lesson 194
I place the future in the Hands of God.
Beyond trust is mystery. The act of “trusting” still takes a bit of action on our part. However, abiding in mystery is the art of witnessing, in spaciousness, how Love shall decide to be shown; how the formless decides to take form. As we are encouraged to place the future in God’s Hands, we are choosing the step into this mystery.
How Love may show up in each moment is truly unknown, making God a moving target. A presence that is always there but One that is typically found in the unconventional and outside of any structure or routine. The point of our journey (joy-ney) is to witness how magnificent it is the moment we recognize God’s presence, albeit in a song, a picture, a bumper sticker, a conversation, a movie, etc. God does not show up one way all the time but in numerous changing ways, once more emphasizing the formless shall decide in each moment which form will be the most powerful for all involved. It is not something that can be decided ahead of time. The moment we fall into routine of witnessing God in one way, She is certain to move her target elsewhere to keep you awake and aware.
Resting in mystery is actually rather relaxing and peaceful. Buddhist text mentions the root of all human suffering can be attributed to either the clinging to the past or the worrying of the future. As we open our hands and release our grip of control, we place the past, present, and future in God’s Hands. We become free from our suffering, striving, and need to control. We sit patiently as God takes the final step and shows us how all outcomes are for the good of All.
“And so each instant given unto God in passing, with the next one given Him already, is a time of your release from sadness, pain and even death itself” (ACIM Lesson 194 3:4).
In this instant are we free. We are free to watch the movie that is life and enjoy the purpose of the play, as Love comes alive right before our very eyes in each moment. It is like being aware of the magnificence of how each leaf changes color second by second as it progresses towards the season of fall. We come to know that nothing is “magic” but rather mystery revealing itself to us.
“Now is he free, and all his glory shines upon a world made free with him, to share his holiness” (ACIM Lesson 194 5:4).
Do you see how there is nothing to lose by handing over your future, your world, and you plans to God? How does a less stressed life sound to you? If it sounds like something you could be interested, invest as much time as you can today, and from this day forth, to this assurance. Now, once more notice the caveat, this does not mean that you let go and the next moment you get exactly what you thought God would give you. Notice how that is still putting stipulations on God and not fully releasing your future into God’s Hands. It is not just placing “this certain aspect of your future into Her Hands.” It is about putting it all in Her Hands. And if you by chance forget, no worries, choose again. That is the perfection of it all. We can’t get it wrong. God is in the lesson too. After all, we are creating a new habit here with each choice that arises.
Begin creating this new way of living. Letting go of control means that you comprehend that in God’s time, perfection will be shown to you. And until you see that “something big,” you know there are other miracles around you just as eager to be seen.
“And so you are not asked to understand the lack of sequence really found in time. You are but asked to let the future go, and place it in God’s Hands. And you will see by your experience that you have laid the past and present in His Hands as well, because the past will punish you no more, and the future dread will not be meaningless” (ACIM Lesson 194 4:4-6).
The world can no longer threaten you or cause you unneeded stress if you place the future in Her Hands. You know that by doing so, everything will always turn out okay. You know that peace is guaranteed. You know that perfection is unfolding perfectly.
“For he who has excepted all fear of future pain has found his way to present peace, and certainty of care the world can never threaten” (ACIM Lesson 194 7:6).
Place it ALL in Her Hands. She is asking for it. She wants to show you the divinity in mystery and how in that mystery, everything is truly known. Another beautiful dichotomy of “Yes and Both,” “Unknown and Known,” abiding together. By placing your world into Her Hands, you place the entire world into Her Hands. You know She is perfectly moving the puzzle pieces of life around for everyone in orchestrated harmony.
“Who entrusts himself to God has also placed the world within the Hands to which he has himself appealed for comfort and security. He lays aside the sick illusions of the world along with his, and offers peace to both” (ACIM Lesson 194 87:4-5).
Do you see how wishing for world peace is futile without the desire for your own inner peace? The desire and work for your own peace must be greater than that for the world, in order for global and cosmic peace to be achieved.
Yet in the end, God already has the whole world in Her Hands. She merely waits for you to give up the game of tug-o-war. Notice that at the other end of the rope, God is not struggling against you. She is watching peacefully from the sidelines on the playground. Then who is at the other end of the rope? My dear, that is you too. Are you ready to let go?
Her hands are open. She is calling to you. Simply place your future into Her Hands and walk with Her in mystery.
Namaste.