When we retire at night, we constructively review our day. Were we resentful, selfish, dishonest or afraid? ... But we must be careful not to drift into worry, remorse or morbid reflection, ...
Note the wording: were we resentful, etc. There is no invitation to analyse. Do not write about the resentment or fear: merely state the areas where the resentment or fear is occurring, in just a word or two. The selfishness or dishonesty might require a little more detail, but only a little.
The fact of being resentful, frightened, selfish, or dishonest is the problem. The content is largely irrelevant.
What matters is what we do with it: the corrective measures.
If I'm resentful or frightened, the corrective measure is to hand over the areas in question to God. This means letting go. That means trusting that God will now handle these areas outstandingly, and stopping thinking about them, asking only for what actions—if any—God wishes us to take in those areas today.
Absolutely do not think through the content of the resentment or fear. There is nothing to learn, here.
When tempted to think resentful thoughts throughout the subsequent day:
1. Pray the page 67 prayer: 'This is a sick man. How can I be helpful to him? God save me from being angry. Thy will be done.'
2. Apply the page 119 solution: 'When resentful thoughts come, try to pause and count your blessings.'
When tempted to fear throughout the subsequent day:
Perhaps there is a better way—we think so. For we are now on a different basis; the basis of trusting and relying upon God. We trust infinite God rather than our finite selves. We are in the world to play the role He assigns. Just to the extent that we do as we think He would have us, and humbly rely on Him, does He enable us to match calamity with serenity.
We never apologize to anyone for depending upon our Creator. We can laugh at those who think spirituality the way of weakness. Paradoxically, it is the way of strength. The verdict of the ages is that faith means courage. All men of faith have courage. They trust their God. We never apologize for God. Instead we let Him demonstrate, through us, what He can do. We ask Him to remove our fear and direct our attention to what He would have us be. At once, we commence to outgrow fear.
- Affirm that God is now looking after us and taking care of everything
- Affirm that God is now looking after the problem areas in particular
- Ask God what role He assigns
- Ask God to remove the fear
- Direct our attention to what He would have us be