Man is sustained by divine Love
Whether we realize it or not, each of us is loved by God and is always in His care. God's love upholds us at all times. His love is, in fact, fundamental to our being, essential to life itself. This is the spiritual truth of creation, and a recognition of this truth can be a practical help.
At one time, during a severe asthmatic attack, I felt I was passing on. When the temptation was strong to just let go, I mentally heard a quiet but firm voice that said, ''I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord.'' n1 I fell into a deep sleep and woke up the next day completely healed. It was not until several years later that I discovered that the words which had come to thought were from the Bible. Although largely unfamiliar with Scripture, I had felt God's presence and been healed by His love.
n1 Psalms 118:17.
In my later teen years I became disturbed about the cruelty so evident throughout the world. Although there was a great deal of love expressed toward me personally, by family and friends, I was concerned about the hatred and violence I saw around me. It seemed impossible to comprehend how people could so often hurt one another. I was quite distressed, though I told no one about my feelings.
At one point I couldn't bear the prospect of growing up and living a life of hurting or being hurt. The thought of suicide was strong. While crossing a bridge over a rushing torrent one day I thought how easy it would be to end it all right then and there. As I stood staring at the water, I became aware of an inner voice that said: ''You'd only be hurting those you love. It's not the answer.''
This thought aroused me. I knew there had to be something more to life than what I was seeing. Three words I had read on the walls of a Christian Science church came to mind: ''God is love.'' n2 Although exposed to religion as a child , I really had no clear understanding of God or of man's relationship to Him. I realized at that moment, however, that such an understanding would make life truly worth living.
n2 I John 4:8.
The Discoverer and Founder of Christian Science, Mary Baker Eddy, states in Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, ''Divine Love always has met and always will meet every human need.'' n3 How comforting it is to know that there is a supreme power for good and that we never need to yield to hopelessness or despair! No matter how grim the picture or acute the need, divine Love is, in fact, present and can bring freedom and healing into our lives.
n3 Science and Health, p. 494.
The Bible is filled with examples of the meeting of individual and community needs by our discerning the Father's presence and unchanging love for each of His children.
Prayer for ourselves and the world can be effective as it's strengthened by an acknowledgment of divine Love's power to protect and guide everyone. Prayer is effective as we realize that Love fills all space and that man dwells in safety and peace because there is nothing harmful or destructive in Love's environment.
A deeply felt recognition of these spiritual facts can help bring healing to many, near and far. DAILY BIBLE VERSE Thus saith the Lord that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine. When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee. . . . Fear not: for I am with thee. . . . I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no saviour. Isaiah 43:1, 2, 5, 11
