Peace is difficult to find in the world we live in. War and terrorism constantly take their toll somewhere in the world, and crime, anti-social behaviour, and other illegal activities affect the peace in our cities and towns. Earthquakes, storms, floods and other natural disasters disrupt peaceful lives, and economic crises leave many struggling.

Physical or emotional issues, pain, personal debt, addictions, fear, worry and sins—either our own or someone else’s—can deprive us of peace in our individual lives. 

These things are distressing and we all surely desire to have them removed. However, true peace, the inner peace of the soul, is more than freedom from these things. 

This kind of peace comes through:

• Jesus Christ –  through His Atonement and through the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ
• the ministration of the Holy Ghost, and 
• our own righteousness.

Even when the world is in turmoil all around us, we can receive the blessing of personal inner sereity.

Peace through Jesus Christ

No matter how daunting the challenges in our lives or in the world around us, we know we can have peace through the power of the infinite Atonement because Christ overcame the world. The hope of deliverance and the expectation of a better world to come are fostered through faith in Jesus Christ and in His Atonement. Christ has the ability to cure both people and countries. His Atonement enables sins to be forgiven and sets individuals free from illnesses and addictions. His teachings contain the keys to living in peace individually and as a world. 

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is a haven where followers of Christ find peace. Priesthood authority in the Church provides for sacred ordinances and covenants that unite families and qualify each of us to return to God the Father and Jesus Christ in the celestial kingdom. These ordinances bring peace.

Ministration of the Holy Ghost

Inner peace is a fruit of the Spirit. Peace comes from knowing that God knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, especially in the midst of life’s most catastrophic challenges and catastrophes..

Dennis E. Simmons wrote in the May 1997 Ensign:

‘.. even if all the world is crumbling around us, the promised Comforter will provide His peace as a result of true discipleship. Ultimate total peace will come, of course, because He overcame the world. But we can have His peace with us irrespective of the troubles of the world. His peace is that peace, that serenity, that comfort spoken to our hearts and minds by the Comforter, the Holy Ghost, as we strive to follow Him and keep His commandments.’

Regardless of our external circumstances, the Holy Spirit gives believers a sense of contentment and wholeness. 

Righteousness

Even in troubled times we have a great promise of peace from the Lord: “He who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come” (D&C 59:23).

President Ezra Taft Benson counseled us: “The price of peace is righteousness. Men and nations may loudly proclaim, ‘Peace, peace,’ but there shall be no peace until individuals nurture in their souls those principles of personal purity, integrity, and character which foster the development of peace. Peace cannot be imposed. It must come from the lives and hearts of men. There is no other way.” (Quoted by President Thomas S Monson in First Presidency Message, March 2004).

The gift of peace doesn’t mean all our problems and challenges will dissolve according to a timeline we set. 

We can, however,  find peace in the midst of adversity. 

President Howard W. Hunter said:

          “Indifference to the Savior or failure to keep the commandments of God brings about insecurity, inner turmoil, and contention. These are the opposite of peace. Peace can come to an individual only by an unconditional surrender—surrender to him who is the Prince of Peace, who has power to confer peace. One may live in beautiful and peaceful surroundings but, because of inner dissension and discord, be in a state of constant turmoil. On the other hand, one may be in the midst of utter destruction and the bloodshed of war and yet have the serenity of unspeakable peace. If we look to man and the ways of the world, we will find turmoil and confusion. If we will but turn to God, we will find peace for the restless soul.”

Conclusion

Through His gospel, Jesus Christ provides us with an inner peace that is superior to the peace the world offers. If we look to Him with faith, we can feel peace in any circumstance. The Savior taught, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you” (John 14:27).