Peace. Real Peace.
Not the kind of peace that comes from the absence of conflict, but the kind that Christ promised His disciples on the night before His death. As He was about to descend into that spiritual abyss alone, Jesus reassured them:
'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid' (John 14:27).
Here was Jesus, at the very moment when He could have been excused for seeking comfort for Himself, instead, seeking to comfort those around Him. He was declaring to them that He had already overcome the very thing they feared most: what the world could do to them.
'These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world' (John 16:33).
The peace Christ gives is rooted in the fact that He overcame the greatest enemy we could ever face: sin and death. Though they threaten to take our peace, they cannot stop us from receiving the peace He has promised if we turn to Him. This is a peace that the world cannot provide.
Worldy Peace vs. The Peace of Christ
Of course, we all want to find peace in this world. We want families, communities, and nations to live in harmony. But the struggle for peace is not just between nations, governments, or individuals. It is part of a far greater battle. The Apostle Paul taught:
'For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places' (Ephesians 6:12).
Satan spreads division and chaos, fueling contention and distorting truth. The Book of Mormon warns of his power in the last days:
'At that day shall he rage in the hearts of the children of men, and stir them up to anger against that which is good' (2 Nephi 28:20).
Wars, economic struggles, and political instability create uncertainty. Corruption and deception further erode stability.
The Savior Himself prophesied that in the last days, 'peace shall be taken from the earth' (Doctrine and Covenants 1:35). Yet, this should not discourage us. The peace of the world is fragile, built on shifting foundations of power and circumstance, but the peace Christ offers is unshakable. And we are not left to fight these battles alone. The Apostle Paul reassures us: “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7). This promise reminds us that His peace is not dependent on worldly circumstances. His presence is constant, and His victory is already won.
Experiencing This Peace in Daily Life
Life presents us with many challenges. Losing my job with four young boys was a sudden and difficult trial I faced as a young father. Watching those I love make choices that I know will bring them pain is incredibly difficult. I counsel, I guide, but I cannot save them. It is natural to want to shield those we love from hardship, but I have come to accept that there are limits to what I can do. In moments of fear, grief, and uncertainty, His peace is my anchor.
Just as my own life has been disrupted, so too has the world around us. Many are troubled by the state of the world: tariffs, wars, and rumours of wars dominate the news. Yet, Christ told us these things would come. Even amid uncertainty, we can still find peace in Him. I have often felt the quiet whisperings of the Holy Ghost, assuring me that His peace is real. Whether in prayer, the words of scripture, or the stillness of my heart, God has reassured me that He is aware of me, that He has a plan, and that I am never forgotten.
Turning to Christ Requires Action
I have thought a lot about what is going on in our world today. Our world needs healing! But how are we going to find healing amid such division?
If you turn to Christ, and if I turn to Christ, it will require us both to change. It will challenge us, stretch us, and demand that we let go of things that hold us back. It will require us to set aside pride, anger, and fear. It will push us to love when it is hard, to forgive when it feels impossible, and to seek understanding when we would rather be right.
As we turn to Christ and strive to become more like Him, we will not only find peace within ourselves, we will also draw closer to one another.
Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace
The world is filled with storms—both personal and global—that threaten to shake our faith and steal our peace. Yet, just as Christ stood in the midst of the tempest and commanded, 'Peace, be still' (Mark 4:39), He stands ready to calm the storm within us, even if the chaos around us continues to rage:
'Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not' (Doctrine and Covenants 6:36).
True peace isn’t found in the shifting conditions of the world but in unwavering trust in Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace. He promises: “Learn of me, and listen to my words; walk in the meekness of my Spirit, and you shall have peace in me” (Doctrine and Covenants 19:23). When we anchor our hearts in Him, no storm, no loss, and no uncertainty can shake us. His peace is eternal—yesterday, today, and forever.