Monday, October 31, 2011

Peace in this World

In Doctrine and Covenants 59:23 we learn that, "he who doeth the works of righteousness shall receive his reward, even peace in this world, and eternal life in the world to come."

In the Guide to the Scriptures, under "Rest" we learn that rest is "the enjoyment of peace and freedom from worry and turmoil. The Lord has promised such rest to his faithful followers during this life."

In John 14:27, the Savior consoles, "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."

If we follow the Savior, we are entitled to feel peace. Sometimes that peace does not come automatically to me--I live a very busy life--but without fail, every time I have prayed to feel peace, it has come. That is a prayer that has always been answered immediately.

I find such reassurance that as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are promised freedom from "worry and turmoil"--how cool is that? I wonder how often we draw upon this promise. I know that I indulge in feelings of worry and turmoil too often. Instead of looking heavenward, I look at my earthly situation and feel worried or stressed about various things. The Savior doesn't want me to worry. He wants me to exercise my faith in Him, and He wants to console me in my worries and fears. He wants me to look toward the future with confidence and hope. This is my privilege, if I but ask for it: peace in this world.