Prince of Peace

Is there anyone who can read Isaiah 9:6 and not break into song? If there is anyone out there, it's not me. "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."

Oh, so much in that verse. But today, I want to talk about the Prince of Peace. We live in a world of turmoil, stress, and conflict. There is much that can weigh me down. In our quest for peace--peace in our families, peace in our communities, and peace in the world--we need to remember the True Source of real peace.

What is peace?

Sometimes we lose sight of the true source of peace because we are defining peace by worldly terms. The Lord told His disciples: "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" (John 14:27).

The Prince of Peace can give us peace even in a world filled with turmoil: "These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).

If we're seeking peace as the world defines it, we will be limited in what we receive: "And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus" (Philippians 4:7).

No matter what is going on around us in the world, the peace of the Lord can exist in our hearts.

How do we find peace?

And now, the steps to find the peace we seek. As with all "steps" in the gospel, these aren't things we can check off a list, but rather different ways to improve our relationship with the Savior. They aren't listed in any particular order.

The first is to simply come to know Him: "Acquaint now thyself with him, and be at peace: thereby good shall come unto thee" (Job 22:21). 

The second, have faith and hope through Him: "Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ" (Romans 5:1).

The third, rid ourselves of evil and sinful desires through the Atonement of the Lord: "For to be carnally minded is death; but to spiritually minded is life and peace" (Romans 8:6).

The fourth is to allow Christ in, and always be grateful: "And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, ...and be ye thankful" (Colossians 3:15).

The fifth is to be nice and create peace with others in your life: "And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace" (James 3:18).

What promises are given to those who seek peace?

Some of the promises given to those who seek the Prince of Peace include less confusion and inner-turmoil. "For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace" (1 Corinthians 14:33).

Other promises include the presence of the Holy Ghost bringing love and joy: "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith" (Galatians 5:22).

This last promise is important to remember. The rewards of righteous living are not only reserved for the next life. We can enjoy them now and have great hope for the future: "But 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" (Doctrine and Covenants 59:23).


Peace is something I've greatly desired in my life. I find peace in my family and in my personal worship of the Lord Jesus Christ. I can truly say that I have felt His peace in my life, offering me stability and optimism when there may be no worldly reason to feel any peace.