Developing Faith in God and Guru

Question

I always see in news an accident happened which killed many people, road accidents, death due to any accident. It makes me so anxious that there is no guarantee of life, anything happens to anyone.I remain very anxious always what if anything happens to my family. I am always worried , what to do. How to find happinesss if there is no guarantee to anything in life.

—shruti priya, india

Answer

Dear Shruti Priya,

It is true, life has many ups and downs. Look at them as blessings, not misfortunes, for they provide us with a testing ground for our own inner development. Try not to watch the news too much, it will only keep negativity in your mind. When you do hear of such terrible things in the world, immediately say in your heart the Peace and Harmony Prayer explained in the link. That will bring you and the world more light, love, peace and the happiness you seek. Trust that all comes from God.

Also, the most important condition for lasting happiness is even-mindedness. There are ways to remain ever calmly centered in the Self within. One good rule to follow is to tell yourself simply, “Whatever comes of itself, let it come.” Change yourself and your reactions, you can not change anything outside of yourself. A wonderful resource, that can inspire you to once again connect with your happiness, is How to Be Happy All the Time by Paramhansa Yogananda.

God and Guru understand your fears. Try pouring your heart out in prayer asking for help and peace. Ask for help, in the simple language of your own heart. Give all your concerns and fears to God. You may have to do this several times, until peace comes but it will eventually calm and protect you.

Developing more faith in God is the answer. Faith is developed slowly and through direct experience. Swami Kriyananda said, “My experience is that the most practical thing of all is faith because it works. If you really have faith somehow things will work in incredible ways. You will be protected against all that is happening around you. Not blind faith but faith born of the experience of God’s inner presence. That experience of God’s inner presence is the real meaning of faith. The deeper the experience the deeper the faith becomes.”

Our guarantee for security comes by deepening attunement with God and Guru and in the sense of God in our lives. This comes only with our sadhana and meditation and life lived for God alone. Depend more on God and His plan and that acceptance will draw Him closer to you.

Many blessings on your efforts,
Nayaswami Hassi