Everyone wants more personal peace. Research shows that anxiety is on the rise and has become the #1 mental health issue in the United States. As the world searches for inner peace in their daily lives, God’s Word holds the key to true personal peace. Through the Bible verses about inner peace we see that the source of such peace is in Christ alone. This is good news since the world around us is chaotic and unstable. Believers have access to God’s peace despite external circumstances. In other words, we can live in a chaotic world and we can have inner peace. Let’s see what God wants us to know about peace in our lives.
Peace of God in Christ
Before we dive into Bible verses about inner peace, we must identify the Source of Peace- Jesus. I don’t believe inner peace is something anyone can achieve apart from Christ. It’s through Jesus’s work on the cross that we have peace with God. Without Jesus, peace will ALWAYS be out of reach. Jesus makes the way for us to be in right relationship with God the Father. Apart from Jesus, we will never have true peace. The soul finds inner peace through Christ alone. Once we have peace with God through Christ, we have the fruit of the Spirit. The Holy Spirit dwells in believers. This means we have the fruit of peace in us as children of God.
Romans 5:1 – Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Isaiah 9:6 – 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.
Ephesians 2:14 – For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.
Galatians 5:22-23 – But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.
Colossians 1:20 – And through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.
Bible Verses About Inner Peace Despite Difficult Times & External Circumstances
I probably don’t need to tell you that hard times are inevitable in this life. Jesus directly tells us this hard truth in John 16:33 (see below). It might be my least favorite promise. While God’s Word doesn’t promise us that our circumstances will be peaceful, we can still have peace of mind. How is this possible? True inner peace comes from resting in God’s character and in God’s promises. Whenever I try to rest in my circumstances, I experience more fear and restlessness. Circumstances and relationships change, but God’s unfailing love and the presence of God is unchanging and certain. The mere words, “unchanging” and “certain” have a stabilizing affect on my heart.
John 16:33 – 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 14:27 – 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.
Matthew 11:28-30 – Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
Peace of Mind
My mind is where every anxious though starts! I can ruminate on worst case scenarios, fears and “what if” questions all day if I allow it. In order to have true inner peace, I have to choose my thoughts wisely. The following Bible verses about inner peace point to a few things to keep in mind. First, prayer is powerful in grasping onto inner peace. In his letter to the Philippians, Paul emphasizes the importance of making your concerns known to God with gratitude through prayer.
God already know what you need, but there the simple act of bringing these concerns to God connects with peace. Additionally important to note, this is the peace of God and it guards our heart and mind. Then Paul goes on to emphasize the importance of our thought life. I cannot stress enough- you can choose what you think about. There was a time in my life this did not seem like a possibility, but I promise, this practice of choosing your thoughts will change your life.
Philippians 4:6-8 – 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. Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Isaiah 26:3 – You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.
Romans 8:6 – For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
Philippians 4:7 – And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Relationships Impact Peace
In my own life, I have allowed dysfunctional and even toxic relationships to rob me of personal peace. God calls us to mutuality and building one another up. Pursuing that mutuality and building up will reap more peace in our lives. However, when a relationship is consistently tearing you down, you may need to reconsider your boundaries. You can only be at peace as much as you can. This means, there might be people in your life that you need to separate from or even end the relationship.
Hebrews 12:14 – Strive for peace with everyone, and for the holiness without which no one will see the Lord.
Romans 14:19 – So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.
Romans 12:18 – If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.
Bible Verses About Inner Peace and God’s Presence
The presence of God is a stabilizing truth that provides deep inner peace. Even though you may be walking through the darkest valley, you are not alone. Your All Powerful Heavenly Father is walking with you. Check out these comforting Bible verses about inner peace in the presence of God.
Psalm 4:8 – In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.
Isaiah 41:10 – Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Philippians 4:9 – What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.
2 Corinthians 13:11 – Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.
Inner Peace From God’s Unfailing Love
God’s unfailing love is my other favorite stabilizing truth. In case you need this reminder, God loves you more than you can imagine. His love for you is not conditional, not dependent on what you do or don’t do. Your Heavenly Father cannot not love you any more or any less than He already does. His love is unchanging. Meditate on that truth and let the peace of God wash over you!
Isaiah 54:10 – For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,” says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
John 15:13 – Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.
Romans 8:38-39 – For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Bible Verses About Inner Peace and The Holy Spirit
Peace one of the fruit of the Spirit. As a believer, you have His powerful Holy Spirit living inside of you. Ask for more peace and you will see God’s faithfulness in this area.
Romans 15:13 – May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.
Colossians 3:15 – And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.
2 Thessalonians 3:16 – Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all.
Peaceful Fruit of Righteousness
As you read through the following Bible verses about inner peace and righteousness, notice how the two go hand in hand. When we are practicing sin in our lives, we will not experience abundant peace. This is a gift from God to move us toward His best for us. When I live in accordance with the will of God (not perfectly-nobody is perfect) I will naturally experience more personal peace. This is a great reminder to keep our hearts swept clean with God. He delights to fogive, cleanse and restore us!
Isaiah 32:17 – And the effect of righteousness will be peace, and the result of righteousness, quietness and trust forever.
James 3:18 – And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
Psalm 34:14 – Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.
Psalm 119:165 – Great peace have those who love your law; nothing can make them stumble.
Proverbs 12:20 – Deceit is in the heart of those who devise evil, but those who plan peace have joy.
Isaiah 48:18 – Oh that you had paid attention to my commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.
Bible Verses About Inner Peace and The Promises of God
The Word of God is FULL of promises for you! This is only a few promises to point to the truth that His promises are a source of peace. The enemy loves to make it seem like our times of trouble void the promises, but that is a lie. Meditate on the promises of God for more inner peace.
Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Psalm 23:1-2 – The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.
Psalm 29:11 – May the Lord give strength to his people! May the Lord bless his people with peace!
Promise of Peace in Eternal Life
When my circumstances are hard, it causes me to look forward to eternity. Eternal life is where we will no longer have to be intentionally pursue peace- it will be the norm. I can’t wait for a world where the peace of Christ rules. Lean into an eternal perspective so our present troubles are put into perspective.
2 Corinthians 4:17 – For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison.
Psalm 37:11 – But the meek shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace.
More Bible Verses About Inner Peace
Here are some more powerful Bible verses about inner peace. I’d love to see what Scriptures you would add in the comments below!
1 Peter 5:7 – Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.
Matthew 5:9 – Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Isaiah 55:12 – For you shall go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and the hills before you shall break forth into singing, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.
Psalm 85:8 – Let me hear what God the Lord will speak, for he will speak peace to his people, to his saints; but let them not turn back to folly.
1 Corinthians 14:33 – For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints.
1 Thessalonians 5:23 – Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Wrapping Up Bible Verses About Inner Peace
While we can’t live a life absent of conflict and trouble, we can access deep inner peace. The Source of Peace is Jesus. We first must come to Christ for salvation to have peace with God. He is the access point to true inner peace. We are then free to experience the fullness of God the Father and grasp onto His promises. I pray the Bible verses about inner peace flood your heart with stabilizing truth that enables you to rest.