Bible Verses About Peace: With God, In Anxiety, With Others

Peace is one of the things people want most and find least. The Bible's word for it, shalom in Hebrew, means more than calm. It's wholeness — everything as it should be: with God, within yourself and with others. Here is what Scripture says about each kind of peace, and the verses to hold on to.

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

John 14:27

Peace with God

Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Romans 5:1

This is the foundation of every other kind of peace. Sin put us at odds with God; Jesus made peace "by the blood of his cross" (Colossians 1:20). If you trust Him, the war is over — whatever you feel today (see What Is The Gospel?).

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Peace when you're anxious

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Philippians 4:6–7

Paul gives a pattern: bring everything to God, with thanksgiving, and His peace stands guard over your heart and mind. It "surpasses understanding" — it often arrives before the problem is solved (more in Christian Anxiety And Worry).

You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

Isaiah 26:3

Peace in a troubled world

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.

John 16:33

Jesus doesn't promise a trouble-free life. He promises peace in Him while trouble is happening, because He has already won.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.

2 Thessalonians 3:16

Peace at night

In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 4:8

If your mind races at night, try praying this verse as the last thing you say before sleep (see Sleep Is A Spiritual Discipline).

Peace with others

If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Romans 12:18

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

Matthew 5:9

Peace with others sometimes takes forgiveness (How To Forgive Someone Who Hurt You). Note the realism in Romans 12:18: "so far as it depends on you." You can't control the other person — only your part.

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

Colossians 3:15

The world offers peace when the problem goes away. Jesus offers peace while it's still there.

A blessing to pray

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace.

Numbers 6:24–26

God gave this blessing to Israel's priests to speak over His people. You can pray it over yourself, your family or a friend today (see How To Pray For Your Family).