Lesson 80
Let me recognize my problems have been solved.
W-pI.80.1. If you are willing to recognize your problems, you will recognize that you have no problems. 2 Your one central problem has been answered, and you have no other. 3 Therefore, you must be at peace. 4 Salvation thus depends on recognizing this one problem, and understanding that it has been solved. 5 One problem, one solution. 6 Salvation is accomplished. 7 Freedom from conflict has been given you. 8 Accept that fact, and you are ready to take your rightful place in God’s plan for salvation.
How do we know if we have actually accepted that there is one problem, the belief in separation, and that problem has been solved? Does it feel like you have any problems? If so, you have not accepted the solution. I don’t mean that life suddenly seems free of obstacles, but that when something unexpected happens do you see it as a problem or just something that happened. If I am disturbed in any way by the unfolding of life, I know that I have not accepted that my problems have already been solved. I haven’t even accepted that there is only one problem.
W-pI.80.2. Your only problem has been solved! 2 Repeat this over and over to yourself today, with gratitude and conviction. 3 You have recognized your only problem, opening the way for the Holy Spirit to give you God’s answer. 4 You have laid deception aside, and seen the light of truth. 5 You have accepted salvation for yourself by bringing the problem to the answer. 6 And you can recognize the answer, because the problem has been identified.
I have still experienced some situations in my life as a problem. I am ready to be done with that. Today, I am reminding myself over and over that my only problem has been solved. I am doing this with conviction because I know it is true. This is just a transitional phase right now as I look at the few remaining problems and remind myself of the truth; I have no problems because my only problem has been solved.
W-pI.80.3. You are entitled to peace today. 2 A problem that has been resolved cannot trouble you. 3 Only be certain you do not forget that all problems are the same. 4 Their many forms will not deceive you while you remember this. 5 One problem, one solution. 6 Accept the peace this simple statement brings.
Sometimes it can be hard to take our eye off the perceived problem long enough to let the Holy Spirit help us to see it differently. If the problem seems compelling, we just keep looking at it rather than reminding ourselves that it is not even the problem, just a form that the belief in separation is taking at this moment. When my son was sick, I made that mistake at first. I just stared at that sickness until it was the only thing I could see. Wanting my son to get well was the only thing I think of.
I completely forgot that there is only one problem and it has been solved. It is at times like this we need to remember that the problem is not that someone is sick, but that we believe we separated ourselves from God, and then to remember that this did not actually happen. There, the problem is solved. Accepting this as true, allows us to go through life in peace. If I am not mesmerized by the problem, I can be of help. As long as I am obsessed by the appearance the problem is taking this time, I can’t be of help because I am the one that needs help.
W-pI.80.4. In our longer practice periods today, we will claim the peace that must be ours when the problem and the answer have been brought together. 2 The problem must be gone, because God’s answer cannot fail. 3 Having recognized one, you have recognized the other. 4 The solution is inherent in the problem. 5 You are answered, and have accepted the answer. 6 You are saved.
My son did get well and he has had other problems since, but even though I did not handle the first problem well, I kept trying and that effort, that practice made the next problem easier. I practiced more on that one and on other problems and now, though I do sometimes fall down that rabbit hole, I never stay there. I remember, “Oh, yeah, this situation is just a reflection of the belief in separation. I’m, grateful to have another chance to reinforce that I have only one problem and that problem has been solved.” One day soon, I will be done with the confusion and I will not perceive problems anymore.
W-pI.80.5. Now let the peace that your acceptance brings be given you. 2 Close your eyes, and receive your reward. 3 Recognize that your problems have been solved. 4 Recognize that you are out of conflict; free and at peace. 5 Above all, remember that you have one problem, and that the problem has one solution. 6 It is in this that the simplicity of salvation lies. 7 It is because of this that it is guaranteed to work.
Even though I do sometimes still see problems, I am grateful that normally I do not. I am grateful for the peace and happiness that are inherent in practicing the forgiveness of the idea of many problems, many solutions.
W-pI.80.6. Assure yourself often today that your problems have been solved. 2 Repeat the idea with deep conviction, as frequently as possible. 3 And be particularly sure to apply the idea for today to any specific problem that may arise. 4 Say quickly:
5 Let me recognize this problem has been solved.
I am happy to do this today.
W-pI.80.7. Let us be determined not to collect grievances today. 2 Let us be determined to be free of problems that do not exist. 3 The means is simple honesty. 4 Do not deceive yourself about what the problem is, and you must recognize it has been solved.