No one will disagree when I say college is a trying time; it is a time of testing and trial but also a time of learning and growth—a time in which we can all find peace if we turn to the Savior. One way we turn to Christ is searching the scriptures. As we learn His words we draw nearer to Him and can feel the comfort of His outstretched arms. In Jacob it is explained that peace and love were restored to the people when they searched the scriptures and did not hearken to words of wickedness. 1 This concept is important to remember in our own lives as we are surrounded with the ways of the world and the turmoil of these latter days. We must remember that turning to Christ is the surest way to find security. Kathleen Hughes once said, “Life often feels like a great pile of obligations, frustrations, and disappointments. But the Lord is there, always the same, His arms still outstretched. When we feel overwhelmed, we have to remember the peace He has spoken to us on previous occasions. His peace brings comfort and strength; the world cannot give that to us.” 2 The world believes peace is the absence of difficulties, but the peace He gives can be found even in difficult times.
His peace is an assurance that He is in control and that our final destiny will rest with Him. Because of this peace is linked to repentance. When our hearts are righteous we knew that we are worthy to be called Christ’s therefore our minds can be free from worries about our eternal salvation. The people of King Benjamin experienced this peace. “And it came to pass that after they had spoken these words the Spirit of the Lord came upon them, and they were filled with joy, having received a remission of their sins, and having peace of conscience, because of the exceeding faith which they had in Jesus Christ who should come, according to the words which king Benjamin had spoken unto them.”3 This peace is a gift from God that He bestows because He loves us and wants to help us as we seek to follow Him. David A. Bednar said, “Repentance and forgiveness of sins and peace of conscience are examples of the tender mercies of the Lord.”4 Through faith we gain peace and our peace strengthens our faith—this shows the wonderful love and planning of the Lord.
Gaining Christ’s peace requires effort on our part. Mormon stated that “King Benjamin, by laboring with all the might of his body and the faculty of his whole soul, and also the prophets, did once more establish peace in the land.” 5 This scripture shows the effort that establishing peace required for the Nephites and the same applies to us today in our personal lives. To have peace we must strive for it and part of that effort is obedience. Richard G. Scott said, “Your security is in God your Father and His Beloved Son, Jesus Christ. As one of His Apostles authorized to bear witness of Him, I solemnly testify that I know that the Savior lives, that He is a resurrected, glorified personage of perfect love. He is your hope, your Mediator, your Redeemer. Through obedience, let Him guide you to peace and happiness amid increased evil in the world."6 Through this promise we can see that our efforts will not be in vain. If we seek to follow Christ He will reward us with His peace and love.
I can testify that this is true because during one of the most turbulent times of my life I discovered that even when Christ does not calm the storm, He can give peace amidst the tempest. Being in college is hard, but not being in college is even harder. Nearly three years ago I was a freshman but due to an accident I had to leave school and was not allowed to return for an entire year. That year held many challenges, related and unrelated to my injury, and there were times when I felt I could not endure anymore, but the Lord would stretch me further and I was able to draw nearer to Him. I felt like He was speaking to me when He said, “Peace, be still.”7 His hand was always stretched out and eventually He did calm the storm, but He gave me peace first as I sought after Him.
What do we do after we obtain peace? Obviously we should continue to follow Christ and this includes bringing the message of His peace to others. Interestingly, peace comes from a Greek word that also means to join and as we join with Christ and each other our peace and joy will increase. As we carry the light and joy of peace to our brothers and sisters, our joy and peace will increase. “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings; that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good; that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth.”8 I know that has we carry forth Christ’s work in faith we will be blessed with peace and blessed to bring peace to others hearts. There is so much that is bad and hateful in the world. There are so many hard times and challenging decisions, especially in these pivotal college years, but the strength and peace of Christ can be with us always no matter what storms we face. I truly believe this and know that He is always there, hands stretched out, saying, “Peace, be still.”
1. Jacob 7:23
2. Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love, Ensign," Nov. 2006
3. Mosiah 4:3
4. David A. Bednar, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord," Ensign, May 2005
5. Words of Mormon 1:18
6. Richard G. Scott, "How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil," Ensign, May 2004
7. Mark 4:39
8. Mosiah 12:21
2. Kathleen H. Hughes, "Remembering the Lord's Love, Ensign," Nov. 2006
3. Mosiah 4:3
4. David A. Bednar, "The Tender Mercies of the Lord," Ensign, May 2005
5. Words of Mormon 1:18
6. Richard G. Scott, "How to Live Well amid Increasing Evil," Ensign, May 2004
7. Mark 4:39
8. Mosiah 12:21
5 comments:
Thank you for your testimony and personal experience. Your blog follows a nice flow and organization.
I understand what you mean about having to "take a year off" of school. When I graduated from high school, I was going to attend Southern Virginia University, but my family was suddenly plunged into a financial crisis and my brother-in-law was diagnosed with brain cancer. I felt that I was needed more at home, than I was at school. However, all was not so bad. It was during this period that I met my husband, applied to BYU, and got married. I know that God gives us trials that are not always for punishment, but also because He trusts us and He knows that we will grow from our experiences. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, feelings and your testimony.
I like how you start out with a comment about college. Anyone can relate to that and that made your blog more meaningful to me.
I really liked how you said that even when Christ doesn't totally clam the strom he provides peace for you. Bad things happen to good people and having that peace makes it easier to have a good attitude, which is the key to getting the most out of all experiences.
Brittney, great blog! You gave great advice on finding peace. Very uplifting and inspirational, I was very impressed :)
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