Peace be still

Two weeks ago I had the opportunity to give a talk at Stake Conference. My topic  was based on the scripture found in D&C 101:16, “…be still and know that I am God.” While I was doing research, I found a wonderful talk by Erin D. Maughan “Be Still and Know God” http://speeches.byu.edu/?act=viewitem&id=1849. This talk has helped me to understand the meaning of being “still” and “know” God. There is one part that I did not share during that night and I would like to share it here.

Remember the story of how Jesus calmed the storm? Jesus and His disciples entered into a ship. After a while a storm came and waves were beating, probably those people on the ship feels like they are on the pirate ship in an amusement park, going up and down. The disciples were afraid, so they went and awoke Jesus. What happened next was, the coolest thing I read in the bible, Jesus “arose and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, ‘Peace be still.’” (Mark 4:39). Of course, we can’t miss one of the most awakening questions, “Why are ye so fearful? How is it that ye have no faith?”

Our lives are full of storms, anytime, anywhere. These storms won’t call you and say, “hey, I am coming, be ready!” Most of the time we can’t ward off and sometimes these storms hit us right on our head. 

Let us remember three things that we can learn from this story. First, Jesus was with the disciples when the storm came. I am 1000% sure that He is with us when we are trying to overcome challenges, difficulties and struggles in our lives. We are not alone in our lives’ battles.

Second, the disciples went to the Master and asked for help, even though they were afraid to dead. Yes, we also need to ask for help. We tend to over-thinking and over-worrying on the problems in front of us. Sometimes we are panic in what’s happening in our lives. We need to be humble and go to the Lord and tell him that “the storm is here! Please help!” 

Third, and the most powerful part of this story, is when Jesus stretched forth His hand and calmed the storm. When he said “peace be still”, He did not just calmed the storm, He also calmed the souls of the disciples, and He also can calm your mind and soul.

Life is full of lemon, bitter melon, Chinese herbal tea and salty licorice. When tough times come, it’s okay to be fearful, and letting your faith to be shaken for a little bit. But remember, as the Lord said in D&C 101:16, “…let your hearts be comforted…for all flesh is in mine hands; be still and know that I am God.” Even though the Lord may ask us why we are fearful and have no faith, the Lord assures us that everything will be alright.

Peace be still. 

G.K.