Facing each day without fear

by Barbara R. Banks
from the Christian Science Sentinel, January 28, 1991

Are there any of us who, at some time or other, haven’t wakened in the morning wondering how we’re going to get through the day, wishing we didn’t have to face it?

Fear, of course, is the archenemy. I have found that what helps to allay my fears is to turn thought to the truths of God and man, which I am learning in my study of Christian Science. An essential truth, according to the Bible, is that God, Spirit, is the loving creator who has made all and made it good. A corollary truth is that man, made in the likeness of Spirit, is God’s spiritual creation, possessing all the good that God gives.

Christ Jesus explained to an incredulous world, “It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing.” By learning what Jesus knew about the spiritual essence of our being, we can gain sure and increasing freedom. First one fear goes, then another and another, as we understand better God’s love for us and begin to prove in daily life the power and protecting care of infinite Spirit.

Early-morning fears often center on such questions as “What will the day bring?” “What’s going to happen?” If we concentrate solely on material conditions in the world, it is hardly to be wondered if we feel anxious. However, instead of looking to matter or material conditions—to the flesh that “profiteth nothing” —how about first turning to God?

It is recorded that Jesus would rise up early in the morning and would pray and listen to his Father. These times of spiritual communion prepared him for his busy days. Now, if Jesus needed to do this, how much more do we?

While it may not be easy to silence the incessant chatter of material-mindedness, it is necessary if we would hear what God, Spirit, is saying to us. This calls for disciplining of thought, and it requires persistence; but the inner stillness, the sense of peace we gain, cannot be measured. With the silencing of doubts and fears, the quieting of thought, we are able to hear His answer.

Perhaps the first answer is simply the gentle, comforting assurance that our Father’s care for us will never fail. So what good will He provide for us as we go about our day? All that is necessary to meet each need, whether it be for strength, supply, or intelligence: strength to handle tasks that at first may seem beyond us; wisdom and intelligence to deal with difficult situations or a demanding schedule.

Sometimes the answers come in unexpected ways. A course of action we never anticipated may become clear. I have received many right answers in early-morning listening times. Here is one example.

Toward the end of my professional career, for various reasons, including needs at home, my full-time job became increasingly demanding. One morning as I prayed, it came to me, surprisingly but very plainly, that I should resign and look for part-time employment. It was necessary for me to continue earning, and although it would mean a reduced income, I knew that if this were a right step, my needs would be met.

This all appeared very difficult. The arguments came: “No one wants to employ people after they reach a certain age.” “This is a country area where there is little work.” However, I had learned through previous experiences that when the one intelligent Spirit, or divine Mind, directs us, we need to be obedient. Following God’s directing, we are kept safe and secure.

I sent in my resignation and began looking for job opportunities, but there didn’t seem to be any. Some weeks went by. But because I had been guided to follow this path, I knew it was right to continue in it. Then a post was brought to my attention that I had not heard of before. I didn’t even know such a job existed. It was part-time work and would use most of the skills I had acquired over the years. But the job was very demanding, and I found all that it entailed quite daunting.

Right up to the morning when I was to go for an interview, I felt hesitant and apprehensive. I tried, as best I could, to calm and quiet my thought. Then came a deeper sense that we all can feel when God’s direction reminds us of our spiritual relation to Him. For me the divine answer came as two words: “Go forward.” So I did, and I was chosen for the position. The work was tremendously varied, and it brought many opportunities to help and serve others. I stayed in the post for several years.

There is a story in one of the Gospels about a morning at the Sea of Galilee. After Jesus’ crucifixion the disciples had returned to fishing. They were toiling away in the dark night of discouragement, feeling a crushing defeat. They had caught nothing. Morning came and their nets were empty. But Jesus was there, standing on the shore, although they didn’t recognize him at first. Nevertheless they listened to what he said and obeyed his direction to cast in the nets again. And they found fish in abundance. Then they realized it was Jesus and saw that he had a meal ready for them. They sat down to partake of it and to hear what he would say to them. How eagerly, with what close attention, the disciples must have listened to their Master’s words. That meal, taken together in the early morning, nourished and strengthened them, not just for the coming day but for the years of work and service that lay before them.

Because God’s ever-presence is always with us and He provides everything we need, morning should be a wonderful time. In Science and Health Mrs. Eddy gives this Scriptural definition: “Morning. Light; symbol of Truth; revelation and progress.” If we seem to have toiled unavailingly, like those disciples long ago, we too can hear the Christ—the spiritual idea of God, which Jesus so perfectly expressed—inviting us to the morning meal already prepared for us. In quietness we can listen for the truths God will reveal, listen for His wise and loving guidance. Then we are ready for the tasks that lie ahead—for days of progress and accomplishment.

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This article was published in the January 28, 1991 issue of the Christian Science Sentinel. To learn more about this weekly inspirational magazine, published online and in print, visit HERE.