Where Can One Turn For Peace?

Where Does One Find Personal Peace?

Let me begin by saying that this road, this long and winding road, is something that is often times the most difficult for people. There are so many things in this world that distract us, that rob us of our time and really provide no blessings that matter. So those are the things that I want to address today. I may not be a perfect example of this, but throughout my life I have tried to find the same answer to this question.

First, let us define what peace actually is. In my search through dictionaries, there are many ideas of what peace is. In my opinion, these "definitions" are taken from a worldly approach to the matter. They are as follows.

“Peace” [pees] noun, interjection, verb, peaced, peac•ing. 1. The normal, nonwarring condition of a nation, group of nations, or the world.
2. (often initial capital letter ) an agreement or treaty between warring or antagonistic nations, groups, etc., to end hostilities and abstain from further fighting or antagonism: the Peace of Ryswick.3. A state of mutual harmony between people or groups, especially in personal relations: Try to live in peace with your neighbors.4. The normal freedom from civil commotion and violence of a community; public order and security: He was arrested for being drunk and disturbing the peace.5.Cessation of or freedom from any strife or dissension.

Do any of these truly address one's personal concerns? These seem to always intervene with someone else's life. There is nothing in there as to how to find it for yourself. These are just temporary treatments for hostilities between yourself and other people. So I again pose my question, where can one turn for peace?

This is the moment in time where you actually find happiness, joy, content, complete satisfaction within yourself. This peace that one must long for is something you can find early in life, or take as long as you want to truly find it. It is something that our Heavenly Father has promised to help alleviate, but like all of God's promises it is under the stipulation that we do something for Him.

I know, that sounds strange that the Almighty Himself, the God of all mankind, the Father of us all, would ask us to do something for Him. He is quite capable of doing all things, never underestimate that, but there are certain things that we must do, and in return, receive blessings beyond mortal comprehension. I hope you all are keen on knowing what these are. I hope that you understand that if we do these things, there is nothing that will have power over us. We will come off conquerors of this world, and be able to receive these blessings. Now among these blessings are the greatest of all of Heavenly Father's blessings to give.

"For behold, this is my work and my glory—to bring to pass the immortality and eternal life of man. (Moses 1:39) - And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)"

With those in mind, how does one find peace you may ask? This is peace that I would like to speak of comes solely through the Holy Ghost. Again, this requires understanding of who the Holy Ghost is. Yes, I did say who. 

The Holy Ghost is a personage of Spirit, not having a body of flesh and bones. The Holy Ghost is often referred to as the Spirit, or the Spirit of God. (Guide to the Scriptures) He is another of God's children, funny how that works. He is the third member of the Godhead, the first member being God, or Heavenly Father. Then follows Jesus Christ, the Savior and Redeemer of the world. Then we have the Holy Ghost, not to take away anything from the sacred and pinnacle role that Jesus has played, but the Holy Ghost is vital to us achieving all that Christ would have us do. (When I say Christ would have us do, I mean God would have us do. - 'What I the Lord have spoken, I have spoken, and I excuse not myself; and though the heavens and the earth pass away, my word shall not pass away, but shall all be fulfilled, whether by mine own voice or by the voice of my servants, it is the same.' D&C 1:38)

So, what would Christ have us do? Does anyone think they have the answer to that? (Rhetorical, but I hope you already knew that because this is not a conversation.)

There are five things that Christ would have us do. I will list them off first and then we can delve into them.

1. Faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement.
2. Repentance.
3. Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins.
4. Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands.
5. Endure to the End.

We can go ahead and tackle these starting with faith in Jesus Christ and His Atonement, but we really want to hang on number four to answer the overall question of the day, peace. 

Faith is confidence in something or someone. As most often used in the scriptures, faith is confidence and trust in Jesus Christ that lead a person to obey him. Faith must be centered in Jesus Christ in order for it to lead a person to salvation. Latter-day Saints also have faith in God the Father, the Holy Ghost, priesthood power, and other important aspects of the restored gospel. (Guide to the Scriptures)

 "And he said unto the children of men: Follow thou me. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, can we follow Jesus save we shall be willing to keep the commandments of the Father?" (2 Nephi 31:10)

Therefore, we can develop faith in Christ by following His example, among these are the next two prerequisites, Repentance and Baptism.

Repentance is in fact a necessity before one can enter the waters of baptism. I understand that it says "Baptism by immersion for the remission of sins" so how can you be repentant beforehand? That is a great question! (I'm patting myself on the back.) You see, to be repentant is the feeling of remorse for a past sin. I would explain sin, but that is a huge topic that takes a lot of time. Back on topic! Repentance is the part we do, it is the idea of recognizing our sin, confessing the sin, and then forsaking the sin. Forsaking is the hardest of these, make no mistake there, but we receive forgiveness from this process. However, true forgiveness from Christ comes through true repentance. The more diligent you are in repenting you are able to truly be forgiven of these sins.

Now, baptism is the way of "sealing the deal" of repentance. You see, when you enter the waters of baptism, you then make a covenant with Heavenly Father that you will take upon the name of Christ. This means that you become His disciple. Then we also covenant to always remember Him, and to keep His commandments that He has given us. (Remember that these commandments are given by God through Christ and other of God's Prophets.) So among these commandments we find the one that allows us to understand what it means to be His disciples.

 "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another." (John 13:34-35)

Moses with the Ten Commandments

Finally! Number four! Receiving the gift of the Holy Ghost by the laying on of hands is far greater a thing than one may imagine right off the bat. For this gift gives you the privilege of having the Holy Ghost's constant companionship. This is so special for all those who have received this gift, for it is by the power of the Holy Ghost that we gain understandings of the truth and holy things in this life. The things that help us grow closer to our Heavenly Father. The Holy Ghost prompts us onto a path that guides us back to the presence of God. This path is strait and narrow for the commandments of God are what make this path for us, and abiding to those commandments keep us on the path. So the Holy Ghost is what helps us in keeping those commandments, but He also works hand in hand with the teachings of the Scriptures.

I've been saving up this bombshell for the end, this all in all may answer the question about how one can find peace. The Holy Ghost, the Spirit, the Spirit of God, this being of many names has another. This other name is very direct and explains what it does for us, for He brings the promises of God to fruition. God wants us all to be at peace here in this life, and to know that we have done well, that He is proud of the work that we have done to grow closer to Him. The Holy Ghost does this, for that other name of His, that name that makes you all warm and fuzzy inside is more than a name, it is a promise. His other name is the Comforter.

Just think about that for a moment, "The Comforter." What images come to your mind? I imagine a big, fluffy blanket that covers me. One that when the day has been rough and tiring, that when the tumult of the world has sunk into your mind and soul, you can plop down on your bed and bundle up. That is how the Comforter works. Just engulf yourself in it and those worries and cares just float away as the love that your Heavenly Father has is made manifest through it. As you feel that Spirit through listening to the words of Christ through the Scriptures and as we talk to our Heavenly Father through humble and sincere prayer. We will have our minds set to ease. There is no pain, or sorrow, or sin that isn't comforted by the Holy Ghost. It is God's way to make us feel safe and to once again feel whole. 

The Endure to the End part is hopefully self-explanatory, but in essence it means to continue living worthy of the companionship of the Holy Ghost. That is through keeping the commandments and loving God and all of His children. Through Faith in Jesus Christ and continually being repentant. Through renewing those promises you made at baptism each Sunday as we partake of the bread and water that represent the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Do this process over and over. Turn your heart to the Father through the scriptures and prayer. 

I can promise that this is the way to find that peace. It may not always be simple, but the process is the same, no matter the difficulty you face. All you need to do is turn your heart completely over to Heavenly Father. Pour out your soul to the one that cares beyond all others. He is always there and He is always listening, be not afraid to turn to Him. Peace comes through the Holy Ghost, and He is the greatest gift we can receive here in mortality, so use the gift given to us by our Loving and Eternal Heavenly Father.