Peace is Possible- McKenna Weir

Among the Savior's many titles He is called, The Prince of Peace. Christ, through his sacrifice for peace, broke the barrier between the fallen man and Heavenly Father. Paul taught this principle beautifully in Ephesians. He wrote: “Without Christ (we are) aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the World: But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us... so making peace... For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father.” 1 This doctrine is full of hope. I love imagery of the title Prince of Peace. As a Prince or government ruler, Christ provides for His people. He makes sure their needs are met. The way Christ assures us of this is through the feeling of peace. Peace is the language of the Spirit; the medium of prayer.
During times of trial we rely on and seek this assurance. The people of Limhi were in bondage to the Lamanites, but they had a righteous king who “began to establish peace among his people.” 2 Although, peace did not last in the land because of wars and contention, the people of Limhi were taught to rely on the Lord. They knew the pattern that would bring them prosperity. We learn from their experience that trials are not an absence of peace, but a time in which we often learn most about peace. I have noticed through my own experience that I learn the most about how to establish peace in my times of trials. In the summer before my junior year I went to a month long Governor's School program at Virginia Tech. I was one of only two members of the church in the whole program. I felt that during my time at governors school I had to defend my standards constantly. I felt outnumbered and I did not have the strength of my family or even my ward to rely on. I took President Monson's counsel wise words, “The passport to peace is the practice of prayer” to heart and took my concerns to the Lord. 3 Through the power of God's peace, felt assured that I was not alone in my time of trial.
The Atonement brings peace of conscience- an assurance of our standing before the Lord. King Benjamin taught his people of the redeeming power of the Atonement and admonished them to repent. The people felt the truth of 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.”4 When our conscience is free from the burden of sins we can become close to our Father in Heaven in a new way. I've noticed this in my own prayers. When I am not burdened by my own mistakes I can focus on building my relationship with my Father in Heaven through counseling. I don't mean that repentance does not bring us closer to Heavenly Father, but it is a step in our eternal progression that allows us to further understand the nature of God.
The work of missionaries is to offer the peace of the gospel through testifying and inviting the Spirit. The words of Isaiah are quoted in Mosiah 12:21. Isaiah exclaims, “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.”5 Mosiah 27: 37 makes a similar exclamation, “How blessed are they! For they did publish peace.”6 I love the phrase “publisheth peace”. In French the word publish is similar to share. We share the message of peace because it is offered to all of God's children. There is an endless supply of God's love and we share that with our fellowmen by teaching the restored word of God. The word publish implies sureness. Those that publish peace are sure of their knowledge in Christ and are unashamed. Missionaries truly become Saviors as they offer the rich blessing of peace in the gospel.
During times of trial we seek the Lord's peace and come before Him in prayer. We are humbled by His mercy and the peace offered through the Atonement. Our gratitude inspires us to share this message that God lives. We can be assured of eternal things and be strengthened in our lives now. I have the same prayer as Alma. “May the peace of God rest upon you”. 7 May we all strive to be peacemakers in our homes and communities. As Russel. M. Nelson said, “Peace is possible.” 8 All things are possible when we turn to the Lord.
I am grateful for my Savior Jesus Christ. I know He lives and I know that because of Him we can return to our Heavenly home. I'm grateful for the peace I've felt in this knowledge. I say these things in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

1. Ephesians 2: 12-19
2. Mosiah 19:28
3. Thomas S. Monson, “Gifts,” Ensign, May 1993, 59
4. Mosiah 4:3
5. Mosiah 12:21
6. Mosiah 27:37
7. Alma 7:27
8. Russell M. Nelson, “‘Blessed Are the Peacemakers’,” Liahona, Nov 2002, 39–42