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
which 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.”