Quentin L. Cook on finding peace in the Savior

Elder Quentin L. Cook (b. 1940) was called as a Seventy in 1996, then as a member of the Quorum of Twelve Apostles in 2007.

"Agency is essential to the plan of happiness. It allows for the love, sacrifice, personal growth, and experience necessary for our eternal progression. This agency also allows for all the pain and suffering we experience in mortality, even when caused by things we do not understand and the devastating evil choices of others....

"We all long for peace. Peace is not just safety or lack of war, violence, conflict, and contention. Peace comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are and knows that we have faith in Him, love Him, and keep His commandments, even and especially amid life's devastating trials and tragedies....

"How do we stay close to the Savior? Humbling ourselves before God, praying always, repenting of sins, entering the waters of baptism with a broken heart and contrite spirit, and becoming true disciples of Jesus Christ are profound examples of the righteousness that is rewarded by abiding peace....

"The Savior is the source of true peace. Even with the trials of life, because of the Savior's Atonement and His grace, righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace. In the intimate setting of the Passover chamber, the Savior promised His Apostles that they would be blessed with the 'Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost' and then uttered these important words: 'Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you' (John 14:26-27). Then just before His Intercessory Prayer: '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)."

- Quentin L. Cook, "Personal Peace: The Reward of Righteousness," Ensign, May 2013, pp. 32-35
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"We all long for peace." Why does it seem elusive? Elder Cook explains that true peace is not dependent on external conditions, but "comes from knowing that the Savior knows who we are"—a fascinating concept.

In order to maintain peace in our lives, we must "stay close to the Savior" by living humble, repentant, faithful lives. It's a wonderful promise that "righteous living will be rewarded with personal peace" regardless of the challenges of life.