“Be Still, and Know That I Am God”

Understanding and Achieving Stillness

Elder Bednar discusses the concept of stillness, both in terms of quieting our external environment and fostering an inner spiritual stillness. He suggests that being still is about more than not talking or moving; it is about focusing on the Savior and relying on His power.

“I pray the Holy Ghost will enlighten each of us as we consider a higher and holier dimension of stillness in our lives—an inner spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.”

“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.” Thus, “be still” may be a way of reminding us to focus upon the Savior unfailingly as the ultimate source of the spiritual stillness of the soul that strengthens us to do and overcome hard things.”

• What does it mean to be "still"?
• How can we achieve this inner spiritual stillness?
• How can you incorporate more stillness into your life?
• In what ways can you focus more consistently on the Savior?

Building upon the Rock of Jesus Christ

Elder Bednar emphasizes the importance of building our lives upon the "rock" of Jesus Christ. He discusses the symbolism of Christ as the rock upon which we should build the foundation of our lives, and the role of sacred covenants and ordinances in securing our spiritual anchors to Christ.

“Jesus Christ is our Redeemer, our Mediator, and our Advocate with the Eternal Father and the rock upon which we should build the spiritual foundation of our lives.”

“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.”

• Why is it important to build our lives upon the "rock" of Jesus Christ?
• How do sacred covenants and ordinances help us secure our spiritual anchors to Christ?
• How can you strengthen your personal spiritual foundation?
• In what ways can you more faithfully receive, review, remember, and renew your sacred covenants?

Sacred Times, Holy Places, and the Home

Elder Bednar discusses the role of sacred times, holy places, and the home in nurturing our spiritual stillness and faith. He emphasizes the importance of Sabbath worship, attending the temple, and creating a spiritual environment at home in helping us focus on Heavenly Father, Jesus Christ, and the gospel.

“A central feature of our Sabbath worship is to “go to the house of prayer and offer up [our] sacraments upon [the Lord’s] holy day.” The “house[s] of prayer” in which we gather on the Sabbath are meetinghouses and other approved facilities—holy places of reverence, worship, and learning.

“The temple is another holy place specifically set apart for worshipping and serving God and learning eternal truths. We think, act, and dress differently in the house of the Lord from any other places that we may frequent. In His holy house, if we will, we can be still and know that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Savior.”

“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.”

• What role do sacred times and holy places play in our spiritual growth?
• How can our homes become a combination of sacred time and holy place?
• How can you make your Sabbath worship more meaningful?
• What can you do to make your home a more spiritual environment?

Promise and Testimony

Elder Bednar promises that as we build our lives on the "rock" of Jesus Christ and seek spiritual stillness, we can receive spiritual assurance and strength to overcome hard things. He testifies of God's love for us and the redeeming role of Jesus Christ.

“I promise that as we build the foundation of our lives on the “rock” of Jesus Christ, we can be blessed by the Holy Ghost to receive an individual and spiritual stillness of the soul that enables us to know and remember that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, Jesus Christ is our Savior, and we can be blessed to do and overcome hard things.”

“I joyfully witness that God is our Heavenly Father, we are His children, and Jesus Christ is our Redeemer and the “rock” of our salvation. I so testify in the sacred name of the Lord Jesus Christ, amen.”

• What promises does Elder Bednar make to those who seek spiritual stillness and build their lives upon Jesus Christ?
• What is Elder Bednar's testimony of God and Jesus Christ?
• How have you experienced the promises Elder Bednar speaks of in your own life?
• How can you strengthen your own testimony of God and Jesus Christ?