How Stillness Can Help You Feel the Savior’s Love

By Anne Maxson

Growing up, my pastor’s favorite scripture was Psalm 46:10, which includes, “Be still and know that I am God.”  These days, there are very few still moments in our home. However, there is one stillness that is almost guaranteed every day – a tight hug, backrub, and kiss on the cheek from my kids at bedtime. 

Even when they have already fallen asleep, I often stay there way too long, just being near my kids and cherishing the quiet moments to just think. Frequently, I have more spiritual thoughts during those times, thinking of the eternal nature of the family and wondering how in the world I have enough room in my heart for these amazing boys. (And, let’s be honest, sometimes I am thinking about what I want as my “finally got them into bed” snack.)

Today, I thought about it from the other perspective. I considered the idea that I cherish those still moments because it allows me to just love that little boy while he “is still and knows” that I am his mom. In some ways, I thought to interpret the scripture as to say, “Be still and know that I love you and will do all I can for your happiness.” As a mom, how much I wish for the chance to just hold those boys tight and let them know of my love for them and my desire for their success. 

Sometimes that’s all it takes to give them the strength to get back into the fight.  When he was a toddler, my son would frequently ask for a “5-minute cuddle.”  Sometimes, no matter what your age, you just need to take some time to be held – spiritually, emotionally, physically – and to let it sink in how much the Savior loves you and wants you to succeed. With that in mind, I consider how much I must strive to be better about being still so that my Savior can help me to remember that He is God, that He is in charge, and that He has my best interest at heart.

On a particularly difficult day, I heard the same song on the radio during a tear-filled drive to work as well as on my way home. It was “Just Be Held” by Casting Crowns. The lyrics are as follows (or if you need a video version with the song, it can be found here):

Hold it all together
Everybody needs you strong
But life hits you out of nowhere
And barely leaves you holding on

And when you’re tired of fighting
Chained by your control
There’s freedom in surrender
Lay it down and let it go

So when you’re on your knees and answers seem so far away
You’re not alone, stop holding on and just be held
Your world’s not falling apart, it’s falling into place
I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held
Just be held, just be held

If your eyes are on the storm
You’ll wonder if I love you still
But if your eyes are on the cross
You’ll know I always have and I always will

And not a tear is wasted
In time, you’ll understand
I’m painting beauty with the ashes
Your life is in My hands

Lift your hands, lift your eyes
In the storm is where you’ll find Me
And where you are, I’ll hold your heart
I’ll hold your heart
Come to Me, find your rest
In the arms of the God who won’t let go

No matter the trial, we know that the Savior is there to hold us and to help us. I know that some of us have times when it feels like He isn’t there or He doesn’t care. When we feel we aren’t being heard and that our prayers are unanswered, we need to remember to “be still and know that He is God” and have faith in His promises. 

I am grateful for those still moments whether with quiet (and likely asleep) kids, moments in the car or when I have to seek out time for stillness. I am grateful for a Heavenly Father who will reassure me of His hand in my life and His devotion to my happiness.

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