“Be Still, and Know That I Am God”
David A. Bednar, of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles
Elder Bednar describes the importance of stillness and building our foundation on Christ.
Open talk in Gospel LibraryIdeas for Opening the Lesson
- Begin the lesson by asking the class to share a moment when they experienced profound stillness and how it made them feel.
- Start with a brief meditation exercise to help the class experience a moment of stillness before diving into the talk.
- Open with a discussion on the importance of stillness in our lives and why it can be challenging to achieve in our fast-paced world.
Topics
Understanding the Meaning of "Be Still"
Elder Bednar discusses the concept of being still, suggesting it's more than just physical stillness. It's about focusing on the Savior and relying on His power in all aspects of life.
“Be still, and know that I am God.” I believe the Lord’s admonition to “be still” entails much more than simply not talking or not moving. Perhaps His intent is for us to remember and rely upon Him and His power “at all times and in all things, and in all places that [we] may be in.”
- What does "be still" mean to you?
- How can we practice being still in our daily lives?
- What challenges do you face when trying to "be still"?
- How can focusing on the Savior help us achieve stillness?
- Can you share a time when being still helped you feel closer to God?
Building Our Lives upon the Rock of Christ
Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of building our lives on the foundation of Christ, comparing it to a building's foundation. He discusses how sacred covenants and ordinances help secure our spiritual anchors to Christ.
In a similar way, the foundation of our lives must be connected to the rock of Christ if we are to remain firm and steadfast. The sacred covenants and ordinances of the Savior’s restored gospel can be compared to the anchor pins and steel rods used to connect a building to bedrock. Every time we faithfully receive, review, remember, and renew sacred covenants, our spiritual anchors are secured ever more firmly and steadfastly to the “rock” of Jesus Christ.
- What does it mean to build your life on the foundation of Christ?
- How do covenants and ordinances help us connect to Christ?
- What experiences have you had that have strengthened your connection to Christ?
- How can we reinforce our spiritual foundation in Christ?
- What happens when our spiritual foundation is not firmly grounded in Christ?
The Importance of Sacred Times and Holy Places
Elder Bednar discusses the role of sacred times (like the Sabbath) and holy places (like temples and homes) in helping us achieve spiritual stillness. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a spiritual focus both in and outside these sacred spaces.
Today I repeat a principle I previously have emphasized. Our homes should be the ultimate combination of both sacred time and holy place wherein individuals and families can “be still” and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.
- How do sacred times and holy places help us achieve spiritual stillness?
- What can we do to maintain a spiritual focus outside of these sacred times and places?
- How can we make our homes a combination of sacred time and holy place?
- What changes can we make to better observe the Sabbath as a sacred time?
- How does attending the temple help you feel closer to God?
Additional Discussion Questions
- Why do you think stillness is important in our relationship with God?
- How can we make our daily lives more Christ-centered?
- What role does the Holy Ghost play in helping us achieve spiritual stillness?
- How can we better use the Sabbath to focus on God?
- What can we do to make our homes more sacred?
- How can we help others achieve spiritual stillness?
- What practices or habits help you feel closer to Christ?
- How can we keep our focus on Christ during challenging times?
- How have sacred covenants helped you in your life?
- What can we do to better remember and renew our covenants?
