I have been spending a lot of time lately thinking about—well, time. Where my time is going, if I’m using it effectively, and how I can gain better control over it. All those questions we’re prone to in this fast paced world we live in. In one of my pondering moments I ran across a scripture from the Doctrine and Covenants.
And there shall be silence in heaven for the space of half an hour; and immediately after shall the curtain of heaven be unfolded, as a scroll is unfolded after it is rolled up, and the face of the Lord shall be unveiled; (Doctrine and Covenants 88:95)
In the verse prior to this, the Lord describes some of the disturbing things that will be happening right before Jesus Christ appears on Earth again. Now, I recognize that this scripture is ultimately talking about the Second Coming of Christ, but I found it working into my mind in regard to managing my own time. I saw, though not the exact complications, the same amount of chaos trying to wiggle its way into my own life. No, I may not face some of the horrible trials and loss of faith that the world in general will be experiencing. I do, however, experience those moments when everything seems to be falling apart, when there is more going on than I feel I can possibly handle, and I’m lost to know which direction to turn in my struggle to free myself.
I like the analogy of verse 95 as it can apply to me personally when I find myself in such a disheveled state. The key, I think, was silence. There was silence for the space of half an hour and then the Lord was revealed. The answer is in the silence: a quiet time of introspection when the world and its influences are pushed away, leaving room for the Spirit only. It’s a special time of preparation, inviting in good things that are to come. Every disciple needs moments when they are just quiet, when they can reflect on what matters most and ponder the course of their life as it relates to their Savior.
How busy is your life? What would it take for you to find just half an hour each day to be silent and think about the Savior? Some days, it would probably take an awful lot—and those are probably the days we need it most. One of the greatest blessings of discipleship is the ability to build a personal and loving relationship with Jesus Christ. We need those moments when nothing else matters but that relationship. We need a little time to ask ourselves what we did today that the Lord is pleased in, what we did that should have been better, and how we will let Him guide us more fully tomorrow.
Make a goal to be silent! If half an hour isn’t feasible, try to find just 10 or 15 minutes. Get up a little earlier or go to bed a little later, spend a little more time in the shower, take an extended walk, hide in the broom closet on your lunch hour—do whatever it takes to give yourself a few moments in which Christ can show you His face and nature.
Heavenly Father has told us over and over again to “Be still, and know that I am God.” So that’s my advice for today: push everything away except your scriptures, your prayers, your faith, and an open heart. Let there be silence for several minutes and see God anew in the world around you.
This article was originally published in July 2008. Minor changes have been made.
