Study Guide for "Peace, Be Still"

In her talk, Sister Lisa L. Harkness, First Counselor in the Primary General Presidency, uses the story of Jesus calming the storm as an analogy for our own lives. She emphasizes the importance of faith in Jesus Christ during times of trials, troubles, and afflictions, and how this faith can bring peace and calm amidst the storms of life.

Before Reading

Before reading or listening to the talk, consider the following questions:

What is the main story from the scriptures that Sister Harkness uses in her talk?
Why does Sister Harkness believe faith in Jesus Christ is important during difficult times?
What suggestions does Sister Harkness give for increasing our faith in Jesus Christ?
How does Sister Harkness relate the story of Jesus calming the storm to our own lives?
What promises does Sister Harkness remind us of that come from faith in Jesus Christ?

Topics

Experiencing Trials and Seeking Divine Help

Sister Harkness uses the story of Jesus calming the storm to illustrate how we often find ourselves in the midst of trials and tribulations, crying out for divine help. She emphasizes that it's okay to ask for help and that the Savior understands our mortal limitations.

Whether we are old or young, many of us have, in moments of distress, uttered with urgency words such as “Help me!” “Save me!” or “Please, answer my prayer!”

There is a mortal tendency, even a temptation, when we find ourselves in the middle of trials, troubles, or afflictions to cry out, “Master, carest thou not that I perish? Save me.”

Certainly, the Savior of the world understands our mortal limitations, for He teaches us how to feel peace and calm even when the winds blow fiercely around us and billowing waves threaten to sink our hopes.

What does the story of Jesus calming the storm teach us about seeking divine help during trials?
Why is it important to remember that the Savior understands our mortal limitations?
How can the Savior's teachings help us feel peace and calm during difficult times?
How can you apply the principle of seeking divine help in your own life?
Can you recall a time when you sought divine help during a trial? How did it strengthen your faith?
What actions can you take to seek the Savior's help more fully during trials?

Building and Increasing Faith in Jesus Christ

Sister Harkness discusses the importance of intentionally building and increasing our faith in Jesus Christ. She provides suggestions such as remembering our divine heritage, experimenting on the word of God, choosing to believe and forgive, and relying on the merits and mercy of the Savior.

Regardless of our circumstances, we can intentionally make efforts to build and increase our faith in Jesus Christ.

Our faith grows as we experiment on the word of God with hope and diligence, trying our very best to follow Christ’s teachings.

Our faith increases as we choose to believe rather than doubt, forgive rather than judge, repent rather than rebel.

What are some ways Sister Harkness suggests we can build and increase our faith in Jesus Christ?
Why is it important to intentionally work on our faith?
How does choosing to believe, forgive, and repent increase our faith?
What steps can you take to intentionally build and increase your faith in Jesus Christ?
How can you apply the principle of experimenting on the word of God in your own life?
Can you recall a time when choosing to believe, forgive, or repent increased your faith?

Finding Peace and Calm Through Faith in Jesus Christ

Sister Harkness emphasizes the peace and calm that can come through faith in Jesus Christ, even in the midst of life's storms. She assures us that Jesus Christ is keenly aware of our troubles and cares, and has given His life so that we will not perish.

To those with proven faith, childlike faith, or even the smallest particle of faith, Jesus invites, saying: “Come unto me.”

Jesus reassures, explaining: “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”

Our Lord and Savior is keenly aware of our troubles, cares, and sorrows. As Jesus was with His disciples of old, He is in our boat!

What does it mean to find peace and calm through faith in Jesus Christ?
How does knowing that Jesus Christ is aware of our troubles and cares bring peace?
What does Sister Harkness mean when she says "He is in our boat"?
How can you apply the principle of finding peace through faith in Jesus Christ in your own life?
Can you recall a time when your faith in Jesus Christ brought you peace during a difficult time?
What actions can you take to feel the Savior's peace more fully in your life?