Recently I read a blog that discussed what we can do while we are in our homes for long periods of time that would bring us closer to Our Heavenly Father, Beloved Savior and bring us peace.

“I am an overly anxious person–someone who lies awake at night replaying minor awkward encounters from each day and worrying incessantly about things that “might” happen. So you can imagine what the past few weeks of press conferences declaring states of emergency, canceled church meetings, and the thousands of panic-driven shoppers have done to my nerves. Although this is a time of uncertainty, one thing I am certain about is that this is a time for unique opportunities and revelation. Here are just a few examples:

The opportunity to be still

“I am a busybody. I don’t like to sit still. I feel uncomfortable in silence. I often catch myself listening to audiobooks or scrolling through social media to fill my free time. But I’m trying to be more mindful in my life, and I’ve realized that I use distractions to protect myself from anxiety and from acknowledging uncomfortable feelings. As much as I dislike acknowledging them at the time, when I don’t allow myself to feel my feelings and be still, everything builds up inside to the point where I can hardly feel anything, including the Spirit.

While there are definitely times when I need to get up and respond to what’s happening around me, occasionally being still is essential to my emotional and, more importantly, my spiritual health. The Savior said, “… be still and know that I am God.” (Doctrine and Covenants 101: 16 ). M. Russell Ballard taught: ‘Everyone needs time to meditate and contemplate. . . . We are often so busy and the world is so loud that it is difficult to hear the heavenly words ‘be still, and know that I am God.’ Perhaps this time is a rare opportunity to practice stillness.

The opportunity to reconnect

“The distractions of the world can often disconnect me from what is most precious and important. Dieter F. Uchtdorf summed up some of those things that matter most, saying, ‘As we turn to our Heavenly Father and seek His wisdom regarding the things that matter most, we learn over and over again the importance of four key relationships: with our God, with our families, with our fellowman, and with ourselves.’

The Savior’s peace

The Savior said, “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16: 33 in the Bible). The Savior said to His apostles, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14: 27 in the Bible). The peace the Savior refers to is the sense of well-being and serenity that comes from keeping His commandments and having the Spirit of the Holy Ghost with us.

Dallas Jones is the local leader of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

I quoted part of an article that was written in her Blog by Chakell Wardleigh March 20, 2019. For further discussion call (231) 383-8359 or send an email to [email protected].