Comforting Scriptures for when you need inner peace

In modern society, we talk about living in times of war or peace. Peace in the Bible, however, isn’t about the absence of conflict but is about the presence of something – or Someone – who brings wholeness and wellbeing.

Fortunately, there are many Bible verses about peace of mind that can encourage us and remind us of God’s perspective on peace. They remind us we can have God’s peace regardless of what is going on around us in the world or in our daily lives.

As a mom, sometimes I have longed for literal peace and quiet, but this goes deeper to peace of our soul, hearts and minds. And that is the perfect peace that only comes through God’s presence in our lives.

Knowing that Biblical peace comes from the presence of God coincides directly with the Fruit of the Spirit. We can only live out and display the Fruits of the Spirit by walking with the Spirit – walking with God. And God is the one whose presence gives us true peace of mind.

So, simply striving to walk with God and live out the Fruits of the Spirit through the power of the Holy Spirit leads to peace. Having peace with God not only leads to living in connection with Him, but also living in harmony with others — including our own families.

Sources of great peace​

As we talk about the concept of peace and God’s promises for times of trouble, we have to turn to the Word of God to find out the sources of peace available to us.

​Unsurprisingly, the words of Jesus teach us a lot about peace. 

Jesus talked about peace often with His followers. Those messages apply to our lives today. 

During His final dinner with His disciples before His Crucifixion, Jesus told them about the coming of the Holy Spirit – or Comforter – who would follow Him. 

Jesus was assuring His disciples that though He wouldn’t always be physically with them, they could have peace and rest in the Holy Spirit and in knowing Jesus was stronger than anything the world could throw at Him. 

These things remain true for us today.

Thieves of peace​

Just as we have sources of great peace, we also battle thieves of peace. I’m sure you’re as familiar with them as I am.

​We don’t have to look far to find strife and struggle in the world around us. It’s everywhere.

Envy and selfish ambition steal our peace. And both these things have a root in our own desires. 

I’ve struggled with looking at someone else and thinking their life was so easy or what they had was better than what I had, even though I worked harder. During those times, I’ve never felt peace.

However, when I instead focus on God and His wisdom, I feel much more peace and goodness. Simply keeping our minds on heaven will instill in us traits very closely related to the Fruits of the Spirit like being considerate, submissive, full of mercy, producing good work, being impartial and being sincere. It all starts with keeping our focus on God.

Bible verses about peace of mind

“Peace” appears in the King James version of the Bible 429 times. While wordings differ from one translation to another, this is still a high number no matter what.

The good news is there are more verses about “peace” than there are days in the year. Our Father knows we need reminders constantly of His peace.

(Find a link near the end of the post to download these verses as a PDF.)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV)

The verses preceding these tell us of the desires of the flesh before explaining the good fruits that come from God and the Holy Spirit. Walking in step with the Holy Spirit and His fruits strengthens us in our relationship with God and with those around us.

I am a better wife, mother, friend, daughter and person when I am walking in the Fruit of the Spirit.

“Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” — Colossians 3:15 (NIV)

God’s Word reminds us that we serve a God of peace who has called us to live peaceful lives as well. Part of living in peace is being thankful.

​As we focus on the blessings of God — in both hard times and good times — we have more peace from our Heavenly Father.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.” — Isaiah 26:3 (NIV)​

Trusting in God gives us peace and assurance. We can relax in Him and feel His peace.

In this verse from the Old Testament, Isaiah is talking with the Israelites about their future and the work God would do in them if they followed Him. These words explain well how to have peace individually.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” — John 14:27 (NIV)​

Christ Jesus uses these words to remind us that through our Heavenly Father, we are able to have peace beyond what is possible in the world.

Even when we are in stressful situations and dealing with a worried heart, Jesus gives us peace and a reminder that He is on the throne and in control.

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” — John 16:33 (NIV)​

I love God’s promise here that He is always with us. We can have peace through God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit even in the midst of trouble. 

​Jesus doesn’t gloss over the fact that life is hard, and we’ll face trials. But He does encourage us to keep going because He is greater than anything we face.

“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.” — James 3:16-18 (NIV)​

After being pure, wisdom from heaven is peace-loving. It goes against envy, selfish ambition and evil practices, which are certainly the opposite of peace.

Instead, these verses tell us living and sowing in peace will have great results in our lives. As Christian moms, we most want to sow faith in peace with our children so that later we can rest in the effect of righteousness as they walk with God themselves.

“Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! They disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” — Hebrews 12:9-11 (NIV)​

Discipline is hard on both sides. As a parent, I must really love and be invested in my children to discipline them. I must put myself and my own needs aside to do what’s best for them. 

Growing up, I had to endure discipline from my own parents. I can look back on that now and be thankful, but I can assure you I didn’t feel so thankful at the time! Sometimes God needs to discipline us and work in our lives so that in the end we can have peace.

“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 (ESV)​

Living a life filled with God’s peace in a chaotic world sounds awesome. It also sounds challenging and perhaps unattainable. But just like with all the Fruits of the Spirit, God gives us instructions for how to best live them out.

By praying, submitting to God and giving Him thanks, we receive His peace which is beyond our own understanding. 

“The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” — Numbers 6:26 (NIV)​

This verse is part of a blessing the Lord gave to Moses to use for the Israelites — His chosen people. I can think of no greater blessing than to have God turn his face toward me and give me peace.

Indeed, as believers we can enjoy God’s favor and peace. In turn, that gives us strength to be the people — and moms — He has created us to be.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” — Romans 5:1 (ESV)

The Apostle Paul is reminding us in this verse that our very Christian faith allows us to have peace with God. Jesus came so that we may be connected closer to the Father and understand more fully God’s love for us.

He is truly a God of hope who longs for us to have peace in the middle of struggle.

“Consider the blameless, observe the upright; a future awaits those who seek peace.” — Psalm 37:37 (NIV)​

In Jeremiah 29:11, God tells us that He has a hope and a future for each of us. This verse follows right along those lines.

When we pursue peace, we are assured of a future and hope with God.

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” — Ephesians 2:14 (ESV)​

Jesus broke down all the walls dividing people. No longer was faith and God just for a select few. The arrival of Jesus showed that God is for all of us.

Jesus Himself is our peace just in knowing that through Him we have favor with God.

“They must turn from evil and do good; they must seek peace and pursue it.” — 1 Peter 3:11 (NIV)​

Not only can and will God give us peace, but it is OK for us to pursue it through Him. And one of the ways we do that is by turning from evil to do the good things of God.

When we are living lives for God, we can more easily have His peace no matter what is going on.

“Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.” — 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NIV)

What a powerful way for Paul to end his letter to the church of Thessalonica. This blessing is one we can pray for ourselves and pray over our families.

“God, give my family and me peace at all times and in every way. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” — Romans 12:18 (NIV)​

We want to live with God’s peace within ourselves, but for peace in our whole spirit, we must do our best to live at peace with everyone as well.

One small way to do this is focusing on the positive attributes of those around us instead of the negative ones. One small attitude shift can make a difference in how we respond to others.

“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.” — 2 Corinthians 13:11 (ESV)​

In order to live in peace with others, Paul tells us to work on our relationships. If there is division, seek restoration. Comfort those who are hurting.

Doing such things allows for the peace of God to rule in our lives in every way.

“The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.” — Psalm 29:11 (NIV)

​This verse can also easily become a pray for ourselves and our families.

“Lord, give my family and me strength. Bless us with peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

“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​

This Bible verse often gets relegated to the Christmas season and we don’t dwell on it so much outside of December. But, of all the names given to Jesus, one of them is the “Prince of Peace.”

Peace was important enough to God that he even emphasized it in the attributes of His own Son!

“In peace I will lie down and sleep, for you alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.” — Psalm 4:8 (NIV)​

When I’m dealing with anxiety, one of the times I notice it most is when I’m lying in bed with no distractions. Resting and sleeping are hard to do when we are anxious and upset.

Praying and asking for God to give us His peace in these times is more than OK. I have often pictured myself literally resting in His arms to have peace to sleep.

“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” — Isaiah 54:10 (NIV)

Finally, this verse is reassuring and promising. It reminds us that even when the world around us seems to be crumbling — and we all have seasons like that — the God is not shaken.

He has not forgotten us and is waiting for us to lean into and on Him. God will give us peace beyond what we can understand when we need it most.

Want to learn more about the Fruit of the Spirit? Be sure to check out these numerous resources!

Fruit of the Spirit worksheets for adults and teens (with 12 FREE resources)

Fruit of the Spirit for Moms YouTube Videos

The importance of love in the Bible and how to live it out

8 Prayers for joy for moms based on the Bible