Second Week of Advent, Monday: A New Government

In the Heart of Winter: A Meditator’s Guide to Advent

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end…  -Isaiah 9:6-7

The scriptures tell an ancient, ever-new story—people look for a new ruler, a change in government that will usher in the time of peace and plenty that they yearn for. Many, who awaited the Messiah in the time of Jesus, were hoping for someone who would govern the land with wisdom and bring about a reign of justice and prosperity. This story is continually retold throughout history and we have seen it in our own time. There are those who yearn for a new way of life and place their hopes upon a person, believing that once that “right” person is in power, things will be transformed. It’s an old story of mistaken understanding, confusion about the true Source of peace and prosperity.

While it is certainly possible to have more qualified and just leaders who can make positive change through their roles in government, the real change we seek must occur in consciousness. When there is inner change, outer conditions reflect it—both personally and collectively. The change in government that is truly transformative is the inner change that unseats the ego from its role as ruler. This change occurs with the “birth”, the revelation of the Christ consciousness within. When our minds are illumined by the Christ light, the inner divine light of Self-knowing, there is no end to the peace we experience. The peace of God that is within us is unconditional. It isn’t ours when something happens, or when something is resolved, when this goes away or that comes to us—it is unchanging, always available. Nothing can take that peace from us, it is without end.

Practice:

Notice who, or what, occupies the court of your mind and the throne of your heart. Who or what do you turn to as the source of your happiness, peace, or security? We sometimes spend precious time and energy entertaining various strategies to try to get what we need. A useful spiritual practice is to “pray our way through” all of that worry and wanting. Pray in God until you have completely expressed what is on your mind and in your heart. Don’t hold anything back. Then, wait. Sit in the silence. Be receptive to the arising of peace that is always within you and has simply been obscured by your restless thoughts.

Throughout the day, whenever you notice any anxious, worried, or fearful thoughts arising, use that awareness as an opportunity to invite God to take the lead, to govern in all of your affairs. Take a moment to be quiet. Recognize that you have turned to God. Relax. In the climate of peace that arises, be receptive to guidance that is revealed.

Contemplate:

Place your burden at the feet of the Lord of the Universe who accomplishes everything.
Remain all the time steadfast in the heart, in the Transcendental Absolute.
God knows the past, present, and future.
God will determine the future for you and accomplish the work.
What is to be done will be done at the proper time. Don’t worry.
Abide in the heart and surrender your acts to the divine.

-Sri Ramana Maharshi

Reflect:

Am I willing to release my worries and concerns and invite God to lead?