''Who Do You Say I Am''
Unveiling the Creative Power of God's Name
This essay, an introduction to the topic, provides a concise glimpse into a subject that spans numerous volumes. Focusing on the potent essence of God's name, "I Am," it unravels its transformative potential as taught by New Thought teachers including Neville Goddard, Florence Scovel Shinn, and Ernest Holmes. For more in-depth commentary and insights, please refer to the provided resources at the end of the article.
The sacred appellation of God, "I AM," serves as a profound affirmation of our innate divinity. It serves as a constant reminder of our unbreakable connection to the Source of all existence, empowering us to shape our reality.
Throughout the Bible, the phrase "I AM" is recurrent, primarily in reference to God. In Exodus 3:14, God imparts to Moses the enigmatic proclamation, "I AM WHO I AM." While interpretations abound, a prevailing understanding asserts that this phrase signifies God's timeless and unchanging nature, unbounded by the constraints of time and space, and perpetually present.
‘‘In the sacred declaration 'I AM,' lies the essence of our divinity, a timeless connection to the Source. Through its power, we become co-creators of our reality.’’
Beyond its divine connotation, "I AM" embodies a declaration of our own agency and potential. Uttering "I AM," we assert our existence, affirming our presence and influence in the world. This phrase also encapsulates our power to shape the contours of our own reality.
In Hebrew, "I AM" is encapsulated in the term YHWH, known as the Tetragrammaton. While the exact pronunciation remains elusive, it is conjectured to be "Yahweh." Regarded as the holiest name of God in Judaism, it is often transcribed as "LORD" in English renditions of the Bible.
"I AM" finds resonance in other religious traditions, including Hinduism and Buddhism. In Hinduism, it refers to the supreme being, Brahman, while in Buddhism, it signifies the Buddha nature, the fundamental essence within all beings.
The teachings of Neville Goddard, Florence Scovel Shinn, and Ernest Holmes converge on the potent efficacy of the phrase "I AM." Goddard expounded on its manifesting potential, asserting that by affirming "I AM" followed by a positive declaration, we sow a seed in the subconscious, destined to bloom in our physical reality.
For instance, aspiring to secure a new job, we could affirm "I AM a successful and prosperous professional." This affirmation implants the conviction that we are already prosperous, ultimately materializing in the form of a new job.
Shinn also underscored the pivotal role of "I AM." She contended that it serves as a remedy for dispelling negative beliefs and beckoning positive experiences. She maintained, "You are not limited by your present circumstances. You are free to create your own reality."
Confronted with a self-doubting belief like "I am not good enough," we could assert "I AM good enough." This affirmation would serve to dismantle the negative belief, ushering in positive experiences.
Holmes, the luminary behind the Science of Mind movement, posited that "I AM" encapsulates our authentic self. When we declare "I AM," we align with our divine essence, the wellspring of our power and creativity.
"I AM" emerges as a dynamic tool for life transformation. When wielded with intention and conviction, it provides access to our divine potential, empowering us to shape the reality we desire.
Resources:
Neville Goddard, Chapter 1 of ''The Power of Awareness'' (1952)
Florence Scovel Shinn, "The Game of Life and How to Play It" (1925)
Ernest Holmes, "The Science of Mind" (1926)
Exodus 3:14 (The Bible)
Hinduism: The Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita Buddhism: Dhammapada, Mahayana Sutras
Joseph Murphy - The Secret Of I AM That I AM
Neville Goddard - The Only God Is I AM