Lessons In Truth - Lesson 1 - Annotation 9
Can man escape adversity by trying to run away from it?
9. No! We cannot possibly escape adversity by trying to run away from it. "Life is consciousness" and wherever we go, we take our consciousness (mental attitudes or habits of thought) with us.
Adversity is the result of the wrong use of our spiritual powers, so its cause lies in our own mind or consciousness. By running away from the adverse conditions we have not changed the beliefs that produced them. On the contrary, we have intensified the negation by giving it attention.
Nothing can come to us in the outer that has not first come as a thought in our mind. But we might say, "Oh, I did not think of such a thing." This may be true so far as the specific condition is concerned. However, we have let our thinking dwell on something of a negative nature, something that does not accord with the Truth of our being as a son of God. Worry, anxiety, fear, hate, envy, jealousy, unforgiveness, are all seed thoughts that produce some form of adversity in our life.
We can thus see that to change an adverse condition it is necessary to overcome our wrong beliefs and exercise spiritual dominion over our own soul (our thinking and feeling) so that our words, actions, and reactions will accord with God's Truth. Therefore, it is good to pray for illumination and guidance from God in finding the solution to problems, rather than centering our attention on them.
When we have faith that problems can be solved, that unwanted circumstances can be changed, we see adversity as a challenge to be met and overcome, and as an opportunity to prove the supremacy of Truth. As we grow in understanding, we realize, as already brought out in this lesson, that God is indeed the one Presence and the one Power, and that there is no condition where His divine ideas (qualities) cannot be found.
The primary step toward escape from adversity or any kind of suffering lies in attaining a consciousness of our oneness with God, in practicing the presence of God at all times and in all situations.
________________________
Preceding Entry: What is the result of our persistently seeking God in every situation? Is there any condition in which God cannot be found?
Following Entry: What attitude of mind leads to complete deliverance from adversity? Where is victory first won?
