When the Quiet Hits: Finding the Spirit in Moments of Solitude

There are moments in the journey—moments in the field, moments studying in the temple, or even moments right here in our own quiet rooms—when the noise fades. And in that quiet, we often find ourselves asking the hardest questions, the ones that echo with the feeling of being alone.

As returned missionaries, we learn so much about fellowship, about the power of companions, and the joy of gathering together. But what about the moments when the companions leave, or when the calls for the work feel distant? What about the quiet moments when we feel lonely?

It’s natural to wonder, especially when we are striving to be more Christlike, when we are deep in study, or when we are wrestling with a difficult question for an investigator. We look to the scriptures, and sometimes the Lord speaks directly to the ache of our hearts. The recent study on D&C 133:50 really hit home for me this week.

This passage reminds us that even when we feel separated, when the immediate company isn't there, the Lord’s companionship is always present. It’s a profound comfort for any of us who have been in the trenches—whether those trenches were in a mission field, during intensive MTC prep, or even just navigating a difficult week of personal study.

The Gift of the Quiet Study

The podcast we listened to dove deep into this, asking, “And what can we learn about the moments when we feel lonely, too?” It’s a gentle challenge to recognize that spiritual growth isn't always loud or highly visible. Sometimes, the most potent work happens in the quiet contemplation, in the moments we bring our own feelings of isolation—the feeling of 'being alone'—before the Savior.

I was struck by how this applies to our role as internet missionaries. We are called to be disciples anywhere, all the time. Sometimes, that means having to shepherd a concept or answer a tough question through the social scripture study layer in LivingBook, and you might feel like you’re speaking into the ether. But the principle remains: the Lord is with us.

This week, I want to encourage everyone to use the quiet time to really dig into the *feeling* of the scripture, not just the words. If you’ve been feeling a little adrift lately, I highly recommend listening to the full podcast episode. It’s a beautiful reminder that the Savior understands our deepest feelings of solitude.

A Small Skill for Our Daily Discipleship

If you are feeling the pinch of loneliness or doubt, here is a small skill I’ve found helpful in my own missionary preparation: I try to frame my feelings not as a barrier to the Spirit, but as a *place* where the Spirit can be most powerfully felt. Instead of thinking, "I feel lonely," I try to think, "I am in a space where I can feel the Savior’s companionship most acutely." It shifts the focus from the negative emotion to the divine potential.

Remember, every member can be an internet missionary, and that includes being a missionary to our own hearts!

Where to Go Next

If you want to build on this feeling of deep, personal study, I encourage you to check out the Book Club options in HolyPlaces. Sometimes discussing these profound feelings with fellow disciples—even virtually—can illuminate the path forward.

For those who are ready to dive into the deep end, I’ve been revisiting the teachings on discipleship through the lens of the Iron Rod authors. If you haven't, I suggest looking into anything related to Christlike living. It really grounds the concepts we discuss in the field.

If you’re finding yourself wrestling with how to apply this feeling of spiritual need to a specific person or question, don't forget about Davee. He’s ready to step into the AI Investigator role with you and walk through those tricky questions an investigator might ask!

What moments of quiet have taught you the most about the Savior’s companionship? Share your thoughts below!