Experiencing God Within

When I received The Urantia Book in my teens, I knew nothing about the presence of God within me, that spark of infinity that is freely given to us in our childhood when we reach the age of moral discernment. The Urantia papers on the indwelling spirit had a profound effect on my spiritual development, although initially, I grasped this concept only with my intellect. In prayer I still addressed God as if he existed only from afar. Although it is true that God, the First Father, abides on Paradise, a piece of his spirit lives within each of us. In fact, no entity anywhere in all creation is closer to us than God’s indwelling presence. Although I learned this from the Urantia teachings, decades passed before I began directing my attention inward instead of outward to connect with God. One day as I re-read the section on the evolution of prayer, I suddenly realized that I had ignored a suggested technique that would be very effective at giving me a direct experience of “talking face to face, as it were,” with God’s indwelling spirit. It is the recognition that a child’s conversation with its imaginary friend, an alter ego, is a practical approach to the real presence of the divine alter ego. From that moment of realization, I began talking to my spirit as I would to a very close friend. This practice has given me vivid experiences of my spirit and deepened my connection to God. These usually don't come in the form of words but as a celebration of joy, a calming peace, or sense of love cresting within me. Such moments are my verification of God’s presence within me.

I am speaking of having a direct experience with God, not as a belief that you have faith in but as a real, visceral presence. When I ask my spirit for guidance on specific matters, the stage gets set for me to receive the answer. Part of the process requires recognition of how my thinking is hampering my understanding. The answer may come in that moment or arrive later as a necessary life experience. If it arrives later, I will see the connection because I am looking.

We can’t successfully navigate as spiritual children through this mortal life alone. Although our conscience may admonish us to do what is right, it is our inner spirit that tells us what truly is right. Cooperation with spirit is “wholly compatible with a lighthearted and joyous life and with a successful and honorable career on earth” says The Urantia Book. We can let go of fearful apprehension of what God may ask us to do because the ideal life is one of loving service which always gives joy in return.

We are destined to fuse with our indwelling spirits if we choose to be Godlike. The way to divine perfection was prepared long before our world existed, and this eternal destiny is free for the choosing. But that choice requires dedication to truth, goodness and beauty and persistent progress with God as our partner. It also requires patience because combining the imperfect finite with the perfect infinity takes time and effort. The rewards are an eternal adventure of love, self-realization and joy of service. Get ready, because life on earth is but a steppingstone for greater achievements to come.

Art by Teka Luttrell

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