If I defend myself I am attacked.
When we make plans to defend our small self, it is simultaneously a plan to attack our True Self.
The small self we think we are is weak and without power or even reality. But it is full of fear, therefore it thinks it needs to be protected.
Our True Self never has a need to be protected for it is always One with God, and, therefore, is all-powerful.
The lesson states that all defense is a witness to our belief in attack and separation.
If we defend ourselves then we are making illusion a reality in our minds.
Our need to defend ourselves can only exist when we are living in fear and distrust.
Only the ego self could think it is in need of protection.
When we defend the body we are attacking the mind because there is no body.
Everything stems from the mind.
The body does not need to be defended.
The body responds naturally with health to a healed mind that views it merely as a communication instrument that has some usefulness but no true value.
This lesson uses planning as an example to illustrate a form of self-defense.
Planning is a form of self attack. When we plan or make decisions on our own, we are attacking our True Selves because the ego’s plans are based on fear and defense, and living alone, without God.
Self-initiated plans leave God out of the picture. They are created by the ego and are founded on fear and distrust because the plans we make are aimed at protecting ourselves from a fear-filled future, as well as attempting to try to not repeat our pain-filled past.
Minds that plan do not recognize or acknowledge that true power can only exist when we are freely living from moment to moment in the present.
“What could you not accept if you but knew that everything that happens, all events, past, present and to come, are gently planned by One Whose only purpose is your good?”
Our defenses blind us to God’s plan for our salvation and our happiness.
From today forward we need to lay down all of the plans that we have made, none of which have ever worked.
A healed mind never plans.
A healed mind never makes decisions on its own.
A healed mind knows how to step back and be still so that it can truly listen.
A healed mind waits patiently for the guidance that always reveals itself in the right time and place.
A healed mind never doubts.
A healed mind receives plans, with trust and confidence.
A healed mind follows the plans that it receives and does joyfully as He directs.
Thus are we empowered in the present moment, living moment to moment, ready to receive the miracles that are our natural right.
Going forward let us but listen to the wisdom of the Holy Spirit to receive God’s plans that are always directing us where to go, what to do, what to say, and to whom.
Holy Spirit, guide my words and hands and feet today.
