The ongoing joke about beauty contestants is that when they're asked what they want most, they often say, "World peace." We chuckle with their answer because we know this lofty goal is pretty much unattainable, at least for any time in the foreseeable future. What is attainable and within our power to achieve, however, is personal peace.

Here are 5 suggestions to help you be one of the lucky ones who actually can attain it.

1. Be willing to taste the fruits of following God

What does it mean to taste the fruits of following God? First, consider the delicious fruit God has blessed us with throughout the world. The only way we can fully enjoy it is to take a bite, savor the flavor, and keep on eating.

It is the same with the word of God. We need to take that sacred book off the shelf and start "partaking" of it. As you enjoy the deliciousness of its contents, you will want more and more. From the very first "bite" you can start enjoying its goodness by living its teachings.

There is a song called "Learn of Me" that encompasses this truth. Just listeningto it may bring you the peace and inspiration you are seeking.

2. Stay true to what you have learned

Some may mock you for your choice to follow God. Keeping His commandments may seem difficult at times, but the payoff is huge. The peace and comfort this will bring you is far greater than any momentary pleasure other paths may offer. Hold firm to what you know is right and your life cannot help but be filled with peace.

In the Bible we learn that "Fools make a mock at sin: but among the righteous [there is] favour... . . The house of the wicked shall be overthrown: but the tabernacle of the upright will flourish" Proverbs 14:9 & 11). Choose to flourish and enjoy the peace.

3. Use the power of repentance

We all make mistakes. Some are more serious than others, but through repentance and faith in Christ all can be forgiven. When you spill something on your favorite shirt you feel awful. You love this shirt and wear it often, and now it may be ruined. Then you spray it with spot remover, wash it in warm water, dry it and press it. To your delight, it is like new again. That's what repentance does in our lives. We can change, be washed clean, and be forgiven. The scriptures teach that "though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow" (Isaiah 1:18). No one is hopeless. God can help you become clean again. It's a beautiful gospel truth that can fill your life with peace.

4. Share the truths you know

One of the most rewarding things you can do in life is to share God's truths with others. The most important "others" in your life are your family members. They may not always act like they want to hear it, but be assured, they are listening. At the very time they may need it, your words will fill their minds and help them make a better choice.

There is a song by Natalie Sleeth titled "How Will They Know Unless We Teach Them?" In a beautifully tender way it explains how very important it is to teach our children the good things we have learned. There is peace in knowing that we have at least tried to teach the truths we know to the ones we love the most.

5. Be grateful

Gratitude has a power all its own. When you express appreciation to those around you for the good they have brought into your life, it becomes a peace-promoter all on its own. Think how you felt when someone thanked you for a kindness you showed to them. It can't help but fill you with warmth and a feeling of love for that person. So it is with every word of appreciation you offer to others who bring joy into your life. Even for little things.

Along with this, remembering to thank God for all He has given to you is equally rewarding. At the end of the day, kneel in prayer and remember all the good that happened to you since the moment you got up. Even when it's not been your best day, you still can find things to be grateful for. Let God know you are aware of His blessing to you and express your gratitude for them. In this there is peace.

Do these 5 things and peace cannot help but come your way. And who knows, if enough people follow this pattern, we may actually achieve world peace.