The presence
Many years ago, I was in a psychology class, when the question was asked, “Have any of you ever had a peak experience? It was hard to answer the teacher’s inquiry since most of us had little or no idea what a peak experience was. It turns out the peak experience is described as feeling terrific with no underlying cause. It is a time of no complaints, no conflicts, no concerns, only a blissful surrender to happiness. That doesn’t mean that those concerns, criticisms and complaints have resolved themselves, it is that for this peak time, they have. One question that I wanted to know was how long it would last. The answer was that it would last as long as you didn’t ask how long it would last. That was hardly the answer I wanted to hear, because I was interested in pursuing this whole idea of the peak experience.
While I was looking into this seemingly random occurrence, I was also introduced to the spiritual teaching of Religious Science. On the one hand I had the peak experience touted by psychology and on the other hand was “Practicing the Presence.” There are those that would dispute the similarities; however, the end result is the same, except Practicing the Presence is not random. Of course, I would argue that the peak experience can be instigated as well.
You do not need to have all your troubles behind you to experience either or all. So, what is the magical element which brings you to this wonderful state? It is not money, religion nor medications or winning the lottery. If it was money, the rich young ruler could have brought his way to the Kingdom of God. At this point in your life your religion should have taught you to believe in the goodness of life, with its endless opportunities and your ability to achieve, for the Living Spirit indwells you. That true happiness is knowing
God in all, and through all. Religion should teach the ultimate power of Spirit in every life. Knowing that Spirit has your back gives you the confidence to release the worry and anxiety that has prevented the very connection you need.
The only thing we must die to is thoughts of lack, loss or limitation. They are not in the peak experience and they are nowhere to be found in the Presence of God. SO, GET RID OF THEM! The Power and the Glory of God is within you right now. Being in that Presence is the confidence of knowing, “God is my help in every need.” When you have accepted the answer to your prayer as done, you can move forward with the enjoyment of living and loving. Heaven is here now. It is not a geographical location, it is a state of mind.
I will include this treatment to help in acquiring the awareness of Spirit acting in your life now.
There is but one mind, one life, one presence, one good, God. The ideas of God are alive within me right now. I willingly accept those ideas and give them full freedom to operate through me. I know and know that I know I will have a finer experience. I give them full power and authority to fulfill their purpose. I rejoice in gratitude, and I let it be so, for so it is.
God is Love and
Loving You Right Now!
(The Rev. Dr. Walt Sharer is minister at Bishop Church of Religious Science, located at 129 E. Line St., Bishop. Rev. Freda Lindsay and Rev. Walt officiate the weekly, Sunday services at 10 a.m. You can hear Rev. Walt’s message on “The Devotional Hour” on Sierra Wave KSRW 92.5 FM Sunday mornings at 8:30 a.m. The church can be reached at (760) 8734195 for more information.)