To gain the most from A Course in Miracles Lesson Insights, we recommend
that you read the corresponding lesson in the Workbook of the Second or
Third Edition of A Course in Miracles published by the Foundation for Inner Peace.
“I choose the joy of God instead of pain.”
To me this lesson is about responsibility. It makes it very clear that everything I think I experience is because of my own choice. Much of my life I lived believing things happened to me that I had nothing to do with. This lesson is teaching me I am responsible for what I see and what I feel for everything I experience.
The title implies I have chosen pain. In case I miss the point in the title, he explains in specific detail that fear and pain are my choice. But I have another choice. I can choose instead the joy of God, the peace of Heaven. And most importantly, the choice for the joy of God is the choice for reality instead of illusion.
All I really need do is lay down the self denial that has made illusions seem real. The moment I do this, the reality of the joy and peace of God rushes in to fill the space made empty by laying down illusions. I don’t have to work to become worthy of God’s joy. I don’t have to jump through hoops to please God in order to receive His joy. I need only lay down the illusions that block my awareness of the joy that is always there.
It cannot really be hard to let go of nothing in order to receive everything. What makes it seem hard is my unwillingness to recognize nothingness for what it is. This unwillingness comes from identifying with a self image made up of nothingness. It seems that if I give up my belief in it, I will lose my identity and everything of value. This is the effect of misplaced values. In fact, the whole world is the effect of misplaced values. The moment I value reality more than illusion, I will experience reality. I will experience the joy of God.
Holy Spirit, help me recognize my misplaced values today. Help me see their nothingness so I can lay them down. Help me see the treasure given me by my Creator and mine for eternity. Help me see Love everywhere. This is the treasure I seek and would offer in every moment. Thank You for Your support.
I ask myself, “Why have I believed in the existence of pain and death? What attracts me to believe in bodily illusions instead of the truth that I am still in the Mind of God? What attracts me to believe that I or anyone can be hurt? What is the payoff for believing in what is not true?” I take this to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit shares:
Love is all powerful. Love is What you are. This is your Identity. You cannot leave your Identity. God’s Will is your Will. There is only one Will. Thinking there is something other than the Will of Love is the cause of all pain. There is nothing other than the Will of Love and therefore pain is illusion.
The only thing to do with illusions is to lay them down because they are not true. You cannot fix illusions or make them better. What really works is to just give them up, let them go. They are not real. They are thoughts of being unlike God. God is not special or different. God is universal Oneness. God gives all Love to All of Itself. That is What you are for eternity.
Being willing to lift the veil of illusions is what cures all pain and sorrow. Being open to the Truth of your Identity as Love removes all belief in weakness, loss and pain. Practice this today.
© 2003, Pathways of Light • www.pathwaysoflight.org • Toll-free: 1-800-323-7284
You may freely share copies of this with your friends, provided this notice is included.
Has this page been helpful to you?
Your contribution in support of this site is greatly appreciated. To make a tax deductible contribution or become a member online, go to http://www.pathwaysoflight.org/polshop/home.php?cat=254.
Or send a check or money order to Pathways of Light, 6 Oak Court, Ormond Beach, FL 32174-2623 (USD only, please) Thank you for your support.