There is a myriad of Bible verses about peace, elegantly scripted onto home decor, or scrolling through social media. Surrounded by flower vines the peace of God seems to give the idea that peace is equal to beauty and elegance.
Bible Verses about Peace
Reading around the flowery verses and understanding the context is always crucial. It informs our thinking and understanding of the concept of peace. Today we will look at two oft-quoted verses about peace a little more deeply.
Jeremiah 29:11
A favorite verse for graduations and other seasons of transition or hardship is, “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ – declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)
The story behind the words: Jeremiah, an Old Testament prophet was writing a letter to the exiled Jews in Babylon. A letter that was meant to remind them of the ways they had forgotten God, and so must endure the exile from their homeland. Let’s look at a few more verses:
This is what the Lord Almighty, the God of Israel, says to all those I carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon: “Build houses and settle down; plant gardens and eat what they produce. Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” – Jeremiah 29:4-5,7, NIV
Rather than pine for what they have lost, the Jews are encouraged to live a full life where they are. It is the ultimate encouragement to bloom where you are planted.
This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” – Jeremiah 29:10-13, NIV
The Lord’s plan to prosper His people is tied with His desire that the people commit to a life of prayer and relationship with Him. Peace is not the absence of difficulty, but a practice of living in the presence of God. Difficulties in life have a way of drawing people to God. When you are in a relationship with God, there is peace.
John 14
Preparing to go to his death, Jesus comforted his disciples saying, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.” (John 14:27, NIV) It is a beautiful verse, and it is important to understand the circumstances in which it was said.
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. 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.
“You heard me say, ‘I am going away and I am coming back to you.’ If you loved me, you would be glad that I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I.” – John 14:26-28, NIV
Jesus is going to die. The disciples are going to betray, flee, hide, and deny that they ever knew him. Even though they have been promised peace they act in fear. The world they inhabited was deadly, scary, and dangerous.
In the end, the promised peace gives the disciples the courage to go out, facing threats of imprisonment and death, to continue to spread the message of Jesus.
Peace is connected to courage, which is not the absence of fear. Take the thing you are afraid of, step out in faith, having courage and peace that you are doing what God has asked you to do.
Peace in your life
Why do you want God’s promise of peace? Are you looking for some courage to face a hard situation? Or are you looking for some fulfillment of the American Dream? Are you searching for external or internal peace? The peace you are searching for is not going to be found in flowing font on the wall.
As you continue to learn about the peace of God, talk with a Christian counselor to work out the questions and challenges you face. Contact our office to speak with someone. With their encouragement, you can draw close to God and gain the peace that passes understanding.
“Sitting on the Grass”, Courtesy of Guilherme Stecanella,, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Open Bible”, Courtesy of Priscilla Du Preez, Unsplash.com, CC0 License; “Vlogging”, Courtesy of Ave Calvar, Unsplash.com, CC0 License
Caitlin Mallery: AuthorCaitlin Mallery is a freelance writer, mother of four, avid reader, and amateur gardener from the Pacific Northwest. When she is not writing or chauffeuring children hither, thither, and yon, she works as a hospital chaplain.“Working in spiritual...
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