It’s easy to assume that life will be so much better when we get something new.

Or when we finally accomplish a big goal.

But then we discover that what we thought would solve our problems doesn’t bring us the happiness we are searching for.

I think the same thing applies to peace.

Peace doesn’t have to wait for some magical outside circumstance.

Joseph Smith received a similar message in the depths of Liberty Jail when the Lord said, “My son, peace be unto thy soul.” (D&C 121:7)

The Lord didn’t promise peace in the future.

Under those brutal circumstances, He told Joseph to feel peace right at that very moment.

Personal peace is a blessing available to each of us, no matter what our grass looks like right now.

No matter your kid’s choices.

No matter the diagnosis.

No matter the family drama.

No matter the financial struggle.

The answer can be found in one of my favorite songs:⁣

“When there’s no peace on earth,⁣

“There is peace in Christ.”⁣

Christ is the answer. ⁣

Christ is the answer to still feeling peace in our hearts.

Joseph found that peace while enduring months of confinement, starvation, and mental torture because true, lasting peace is found in Christ.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post There is peace in Christ  first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

Cramped conditions.

In a jail.

Terrible food.

Poor lighting.

Freezing cold.

Isn’t it tempting to consider our outside circumstances as a sign of how we are doing in life?

“How are you doing right now?”

“Terribly. Because of all these things that are going wrong…”

But Elder Cook made a wise assessment at Conference a few weeks ago:

“Joseph’s time in Liberty Jail demonstrates that adversity is not evidence of the Lord’s disfavor nor a withdrawal of His blessings.”

If we look at the physical trajectory of Joseph’s life, it doesn’t really look awesome.

A humble farmer boy. A poor young couple, accepting financial support from others. Moving to Ohio and getting a little more established. Being beat up by a mob. Reputation ruined by false rumors. Serious financial distress. Forced to move to Missouri with a hopeful promise for the future. Hope quickly being turned to conflict and fear. Arrested and stuck in a miserable jail for months.

This trajectory looks terrible, honestly.

But as with virtually everything, the Lord looks on the heart.

What was the trajectory of Joseph’s heart throughout his life?

Consistent spiritual enlightenment. Moments with the Divine. Priesthood power. Peace and certainty. Forgiveness and meekness. A growing love and concern for all. Teaching others and sharing his light. Inspired scriptures that have touched millions. Peace and comfort found in a miserable little jail cell.

Our physical circumstances have virtually no indication of how blessed we are.

It’s all about the status of the heart.

Has your heart been growing, softening, turning to the Lord throughout your life?

Then might I humbly suggest that you are living a very blessed life indeed, just like the prophet Joseph.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Joseph didn’t seem very blessed first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.

And I’ve really felt this as my spiritual superpower.

It’s so tempting to think that if we have faith in God, our circumstances will be calm.

But the Savior didn’t come to the earth bringing peace to all nations.

He came to share a message of personal peace.

And Joseph Smith was given a similar message in the depths of Liberty Jail.

“My son, peace be unto thy soul”. D&C 121:7

Not “Hey, you’ll get out of here tomorrow. Enjoy your new peaceful circumstances.”

But instead, “I understand this is brutal. And yet you can still feel peace in your own soul.”

The answer can be found in one of my favorite songs:

“When there’s no peace on earth,

“There is peace in Christ.”

Christ is the answer.

Peace on earth is a great thing to hope for, but it is not something that we have been promised.

Personal peace is a blessing available to each of us.

No matter your kids’ choices.

No matter what your friend did.

No matter the activity that got cancelled or the new restrictions.

No matter any political decision.

No matter the family drama.

No matter death, financial struggles, or separation.

We can understand what’s going on around us, and still feel peace on the inside.

It can be found in any difficult circumstances, including after three months of confinement, starvation, and mental torture.

Peace can be found in Christ.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

The post Peace in Christ first appeared on Come Follow Me Study with Cali Black.