By Elder David A. Bednar
Elder David A. Bednar speaks about finding inner spiritual stillness amidst the chaos of the world. He shares experiences and teachings that emphasize the importance of focusing on Jesus Christ and building a strong spiritual foundation. He encourages members to use sacred times, holy places, and their homes to cultivate this stillness, assuring that this practice will strengthen their relationship with God and provide peace and stability.
The Importance of Stillness
Elder Bednar introduces the concept of stillness, not just as a lack of noise, but as a profound inner peace that allows us to recognize God’s presence and power in our lives. He shares a personal experience with a journalist who was deeply moved by the stillness experienced in a temple celestial room, illustrating the contrast between the world’s noise and the peace of the gospel.
“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Doctrine and Covenants 101:16: “Therefore, let your hearts be comforted concerning Zion; for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.”
- Psalms 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.”
Building Upon the Rock
This section focuses on the necessity of establishing our spiritual foundation on Jesus Christ. Elder Bednar explains that just as a physical foundation must be anchored to bedrock to withstand external forces, our lives must be firmly rooted in Christ to endure life’s challenges.
“Remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Helaman 5:12: “And now, my sons, remember, remember that it is upon the rock of our Redeemer, who is Christ, the Son of God, that ye must build your foundation; that when the devil shall send forth his mighty winds, yea, his shafts in the whirlwind, yea, when all his hail and his mighty storm shall beat upon you, it shall have no power over you to drag you down to the gulf of misery and endless wo, because of the rock upon which ye are built, which is a sure foundation, a foundation whereon if men build they cannot fall.”
- Ether 12:4: “Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yea, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God.”
Sacred Times and Holy Places
Elder Bednar highlights the significance of sacred times and holy places, such as the Sabbath and temples, in helping us experience spiritual stillness. These designated times and places allow us to focus on the divine and draw closer to God.
“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.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Exodus 31:13: “Speak thou also unto the children of Israel, saying, Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the Lord that doth sanctify you.”
- Isaiah 58:13-14: “If thou turn away thy foot from the sabbath, from doing thy pleasure on my holy day; and call the sabbath a delight, the holy of the Lord, honourable; and shalt honour him, not doing thine own ways, nor finding thine own pleasure, nor speaking thine own words: Then shalt thou delight thyself in the Lord; and I will cause thee to ride upon the high places of the earth, and feed thee with the heritage of Jacob thy father: for the mouth of the Lord hath spoken it.”
The Role of Covenants
This section explains the importance of covenants and ordinances in strengthening our connection to Jesus Christ. Elder Bednar likens covenants to anchor pins that secure our spiritual foundation to the rock of Christ, helping us stay firm and steadfast.
“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.”
Scriptural references for further study:
- Mosiah 18:8-10: “And it came to pass that he said unto them: Behold, here are the waters of Mormon (for thus were they called) and now, as ye are desirous to come into the fold of God, and to be called his people, and are willing to bear one another’s burdens, that they may be light; Yea, and are willing to mourn with those that mourn; yea, and comfort those that stand in need of comfort, and to stand as witnesses of God at all times and in all things, and in all places that ye may be in, even until death, that ye may be redeemed of God, and be numbered with those of the first resurrection, that ye may have eternal life— Now I say unto you, if this be the desire of your hearts, what have you against being baptized in the name of the Lord, as a witness before him that ye have entered into a covenant with him, that ye will serve him and keep his commandments, that he may pour out his Spirit more abundantly upon you?”
- Doctrine and Covenants 20:77: “O God, the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this bread to the souls of all those who partake of it; that they may eat in remembrance of the body of thy Son, and witness unto thee, O God, the Eternal Father, that they are willing to take upon them the name of thy Son, and always remember him and keep his commandments which he has given them, that they may always have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.”
Calls to Action
- Cultivate inner stillness by regularly setting aside time to disconnect from worldly distractions and focus on God.
- Build and strengthen your spiritual foundation by deepening your relationship with Jesus Christ through study and prayer.
- Make your home a place of peace and reverence, where the Spirit of the Lord can dwell.
- Attend the temple and participate in sacred ordinances to reinforce your covenant connection with God.
- Observe the Sabbath as a holy day dedicated to worship and renewal of covenants.