Sabbath Devotional :: Be Still

I live by a lake. Like many bodies of water, its appearance is connected to the weather. On a sunny day, the lake is deep turquoise blue and very stunning. On cloudy days, it is faded blue or gray. And when it’s stormy, the movement of the lake makes it difficult to determine its color.

As I drove home one winter day, I noticed the reflection — or image — of the nearby hills in the still water. I thought that it seems we only see the image of the hills when the water is especially still.

Two scriptures immediately came to mind:

“Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10)

“Have ye received his image in your countenances?” (Alma 5:14)

I am sure there is a connection between these ideas. In the stillness of my soul, I can find Christ’s image in my spiritual countenance.

When I am still, it is easier to love.

When I am still, it feels natural to exercise faith.

When I am still, I have patience to endure.

When I am still, I find peace.

When I am still, I hope.

The difficulty lies in becoming still, which can feel unattainable at times. Like the nearby lake when the wind picks up, I face storms in my life that churn the still waters and confuse my peace.

During the last few difficult years, I have made concerted efforts to find personal peace. I made a little sign that I hung near my bed. It was simple but not simplistic:

Faith in Christ. Hope in Christ. Trust in Christ. Peace in Christ.

I needed to remind myself daily to focus my life on the Savior, trusting that in Him I would find the peace that seemed illusive.

There was nothing magical or unique in my efforts. I have nothing to offer that has not been preached to us repeatedly. But I can honestly say that I have found — at least for now — a measure of peace and contentment. I feel the happiness and hope that I’ve longed for. The Atonement of Jesus Christ is powerful. Christ can still the storms of our lives over time when we seek Him. And in His stillness, we can find Him.