The Savior Jesus Christ knows that Heavenly Father’s children yearn for peace, and He has promised to provide it.
Yet some across the world may not be feeling the Lord’s promised peace. They may feel the heavens are silent, said President Henry B. Eyring, second counselor in the First Presidency of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
“Today I will speak on what I have learned about the miracle of finding personal peace, whatever our circumstances,” President Eyring said. “I pray that you may find peace, help many others to find it, and pass it along.”
President Eyring was one of several general conference speakers who taught about overcoming discouragement through faith in Jesus Christ in Saturday’s sessions of April 2023 general conference.
5 truths to find peace
Drawing from John 14:15-27, President Eyring taught five truths he has learned from the Savior’s teachings about finding peace in any circumstances.
- The gift of peace is given after we have the faith to keep His commandments.
- The Holy Ghost will come and abide with us.
- The Savior promises that as we keep our covenants, we can feel the love of the Father and the Son for each other and for us.
- Keeping the Lord’s commandments requires more than obedience. Latter-day Saints are to love God with all their heart, might, mind and soul.
- It is clear that the Lord loves us enough to pay the price for our sins so that we can, through our faith in Him and our repentance through the effects of His Atonement, have the gift of peace.
Latter-day Saints who have felt the Lord’s gift of personal peace are encouraged to help others.
“The rising generation will become the nurturers of the generation to follow,” he said. “The multiplier effect will produce a miracle. It will spread and grow over time, and the Lord’s kingdom on earth will be prepared and ready to greet Him with shouts of hosanna. There will be peace on earth.”
‘Keep going — with faith’
Elder Carl B. Cook, a General Authority Seventy, told about accompanying President Boyd K. Packer, then-Acting President of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, to a stake conference.
He became overwhelmed and learned to exercise faith when President Packer asked him to speak several times each in two different meetings without an opportunity to prepare.
“Do you know what I am grateful for? That I didn’t give up or resist,” Elder Cook said. “In spite of my weakness, I learned that I can serve; I can contribute when the Lord is by my side, if I just keep going — with faith.”
Just as the Savior finished the work He was given, Latter-day Saints can be blessed to move forward along the covenant path, no matter how rocky it becomes.
“Regardless of the size, scope and seriousness of the challenges we face in life, we all have times when we feel like stopping, leaving, escaping or possibly giving up,” he said. “But exercising faith in our Savior, Jesus Christ, helps us overcome discouragement no matter what obstacles we encounter.”
The Savior’s healing power
Years ago, Elder Peter F. Meurs, a General Authority Seventy, was involved in a car accident in which family members and others were seriously injured.
All involved were healed with faith, prayers and time. But Elder Meurs said he struggled for years to find peace and forgive himself for causing the accident after falling asleep while driving.
As he assisted others in finding the Savior’s compassion and mercy, he realized that he, too, could be healed. In turning to Christ, his feelings of guilt and remorse were replaced with peace and rest.
“Whether you are carrying the burden of unresolved sin, suffering because of an offense committed against you long ago, or struggling to forgive yourself for an accidental mistake, you have access to the healing and redeeming power of the Savior Jesus Christ,” he said.
Powerful source of spiritual strength
Receiving and studying your patriarchal blessing can be a powerful source of spiritual strength during hard times, said Elder Randall K. Bennett, a General Authority Seventy.
“Cherishing my patriarchal blessing while I was young blessed me with courage when I was discouraged, comfort when I was fearful, peace when I felt anxious, hope when I felt hopeless and joy when I needed it most. My patriarchal blessing helped increase my faith and trust in my Heavenly Father and my Savior,” Elder Bennett said.
“I pray that those who already have their patriarchal blessing will study it and treasure it.”
‘Trusting the doctrine of Christ’
Elder Evan A. Schmutz, a General Authority Seventy, told about a couple that experienced a life-changing conversion to the gospel.
The husband suffers from a rare disease that is incurable and causes clusters of tumors in his internal organs. He has undergone many surgeries and was told he had years to live.
The wife also suffers from a rare genetic disease that leads to blindness.
Despite their physical challenges, the couple with four children has found increased faith and strength in the promises made in the temple. They are optimistic about the future and continue to serve in the Church. They are building their house on the rock of Jesus Christ.
“When we have built our houses on the foundation of a covenantal relationship with Christ, we are trusting the doctrine of Christ and, as we come unto Him, we have His promise of eternal life,” Elder Schmutz said.
There is always hope in Christ
Elder K. Brett Nattress, General Authority Seventy, told the story of a young man named Danny who traveled down a slippery slope of addiction and destruction, which led him away from the Church.
Danny’s journey back was difficult. One day he asked Elder Nattress if he could truly be forgiven. They read the Book of Mormon story of Alma, which helped the young man understand that forgiveness is possible through the infinite Atonement of Jesus Christ.
Even as he was called on a mission, he still wondered if he was truly forgiven. Elder Nattress assured him he was. “Now what you need to do is move forward with your life. Don’t look back — look forward with faith to the next ordinance,” he said.
“Danny wasn’t lost, and neither are we to the Lord,” Elder Nattress said. “He stands at the door to lift us, to strengthen us and to forgive us. He always remembers to love us. ... To those who have strayed from the covenant path, please know there is always hope, there is always healing, and there is always a way back.”
