The Power of Stillness Amid Chaos

Dear friends,

This past week, as I’ve poured my energy into crafting spiritually attuned replies to trending videos and watched the world swirl in ever-increasing commotion, the Spirit gently reminded me once more of a foundational truth: “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). In that sacred pause, confusion gives way to clarity; anxiety yields to peace. Panic can be reframed into poise. Without stillness, our souls become like storm-tossed ships, unable to discern the lighthouse of divine guidance.

On Easter Eve I updated christlikeintelligence.life—adding new blog posts, a dedicated Discord channel for communal learning, and launching our Christlike Intelligence YouTube channel. Yet for all the excitement of digital outreach, I felt my own heart growing restless. It was then that I recalled a conversation with my bishop:

“I often ponder why God isn’t more directly involved in our lives. He is an example of stillness. He doesn’t force us. From time to time, when we are ready and willing, He nudges us toward better things. Over time, a lot of nudges add up.

When I feel agitated, my brother reminds me that most of my negative mental cycles can be resolved with a good nap.”
His words pierced my hurried thoughts: divine involvement is tender. God waits for our hearts to be ready, then offers gentle nudges. And sometimes the greatest nudge is a simple invitation to rest.

Jesus Himself beckons us: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). That rest is the essence of stillness—a conscious laying down of burdens at His feet, trusting His timing, and allowing our souls to stand firm while the world rages on.

🔍 Discernibility & Stillness: Chapter 6 Insights

In Chapter 6 of How to Optimize Your Emotionally Dynamic Life, we explore Discernibility—“Sensitivity, Stillness, and Clarity” . Stillness is the soil in which discernment grows. Without quiet, our spiritual “receptors” cannot pick up the whisperings of truth. The book identifies key barriers—noise, overstimulation, and inner agitation—and offers steps to develop Christlike Discernibility:

Sacred Silence (6.4): Carve out daily moments of uninterrupted quiet, allowing the Spirit to speak without competition.
Focused Observation: Like Jason Bourne scanning a chaotic scene, practice calm alertness—observe thoughts and emotions without immediately reacting.
Breath & Prayer: Slow, intentional breathing united with a short prayer resets the nervous system and opens the heart to revelation.
Journal Nudges: Record impressions, promptings, and moments of peace as tangible evidence of divine guidance.

🌱 Modern Prophetic Invitation

President Russell M. Nelson has pleaded with us to make the Atonement our weekly study, to “cast our burdens and sins at the Savior’s feet” and experience “the joy of repentance and change.” He reminds us that the Savior’s involvement is ever-present yet quiet, inviting us into stillness before He floods our souls with peace.

“When you feel overwhelmed, pause and turn your heart to Him. In that sacred stillness, you will feel His nudge—and that nudge will guide you home.”
—President Russell M. Nelson

⚖️ The Jason Bourne Paradigm

Watching Jason Bourne navigate life-or-death chaos, I’m struck by his ability to remain still enough—mentally and emotionally—to assess, decide, and act. He embodies Discernibility in action. He does not wait for the storm to subside; he steadies his inner core so that, no matter how violent the tempest, he can move with precision. So it is with spiritual stillness: the world need not pause for our souls to stand firm.

🔑 Practical Practices for Deep Stillness

“Nap of the Mind”: When agitation rises, close your eyes for 60 seconds of focused breathing and a silent “Here I am, Lord.”
Scripture Anchors: Recite Matthew 11:28 and Psalm 46:10 aloud whenever burdens weigh heavy.
Evening Reflection: End your day in five minutes of stillness—review how gentle nudges directed you.
Accountability Pause: Before making decisions, pause and ask, “What would stillness reveal?”
Group Stillness: In Discord’s #governing-dynamics-lab, share moments of stillness and how they clarified your path.
Stillness is not passive—it is a dynamic posture of trust, an active waiting that says, “I believe You are working, even when I cannot see.” It is the gateway to Discernibility, the bedrock of Christlike decision-making, and the birthplace of divine peace.

May we each choose stillness today, that His gentle nudges may accumulate, our souls may rest, and our eyes may see clearly the path He has prepared.

With heartfelt stillness,
Kelly L Call