When times are tough it is not an excuse to fall apart but to “gird up our loins” as the Bible says. It’s a time to gather ourselves together and find where our values really lie. I have been spending time with the phrase “sanctify yourself” found in the book of Joshua 3:5, where Joshua advises the Israelites (metaphysically: us) to sanctify ourselves for tomorrow God will do wonderful things among us.
What does it mean to sanctify ourselves? It could mean to separate ourselves from unholy things and thoughts and focus on purity. Going deeper, I believe it means to remember who we are as beautiful and capable spiritual children of God. To overcome difficulties (in the Bible the difficulty is crossing over the river Jordan into the Promised Land) we are advised to remember our holiness and our wholeness. In other words to invite Spirit to be first and foremost in our lives.
For me this is the antidote to the apparent craziness I see in our world today. The threat of terror and the reactions to that threat by individuals who are in influential positions can lead to confusion, outrage, simplistic answers and further divisiveness. I just don’t want to go there. The Truth of our Oneness and the values and virtues that blossom from the heart of love within us are more powerful than any outer appearance.
So, I release the need to react with judgment, fear, or anger. I invite you to do the same. Instead, it’s time to sanctify ourselves, to reaffirm our true nature as spiritual beings, living in a spiritual universe, governed by spiritual laws.
Yes, Love prevails; Truth is great and it endures. This Truth is sane, good hearted, and generous to all. At this festive time of the year it feels good to let the light shine, to come together and celebrate the power of Spirit born in the tenderness and fragility of a baby’s heart.
Blessings,
Paul