The Hebrew word translated as “peace” is “shalom”. It means more than the opposite of conflict. It’s about being complete and safe. This is why we ultimately only can find peace in God. Without God we are not complete and not at peace.

1. Psalm 34:14 Turn away from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. 

You have a choice in your life. When you are in a conflict, do you seek peace? Take the first step and reach out to anyone you are not at peace with and seek peace.

2. Matthew 5:9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

There is blessing and happiness in being a peacemaker. As children of God we are called to seek peace.

3. Romans 12:18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

We know there are conflicts and troublemakers in the world. But the Bible tells us to do what we can to live in peace with everyone.

4. 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.

When you walk with God in peace, everything is different. There may be conflict around you, but worldly conflict and troubles can’t overcome the peace of God.

5. Romans 14:19 So then let us pursue what makes for peace and for mutual upbuilding.

Actively work for peace, not just for your own sake, but also to build up others around you.

6. 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.

The Bible wishes for you, and for all to have peace. May God be with you, so that your life will be at peace and complete.

7. Numbers 6:24-26 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.

The priestly blessing tells us that in God’s presence there is peace. Seek God and you shall find him. God bless you.

You wonder when the pain will stop—the crushing weight of the world’s emptiness. You wonder when you’ll stop picking up the phone only to realize there’s no one to call. You wonder when a song or smell that reminds you of that person won’t clutch at your throat and blind your eyes without warning.

“A single person is missing from you, and the whole world is empty,” as author Joan Didion puts it.

The emptiness can feel like a life sentence. You might feel alone, like no one fully understands your pain.

Jesus understands your suffering—because he suffered too (Isaiah 53:3). After Jesus was born on the earth, he promised to conquer our great enemy—death—forever.

On the cross, Jesus destroyed death by dying for us. Jesus suffered and died for you so that you can live in union with God (1 Peter 3:18). In the Bible, Jesus says he wants to take your suffering and trade it for joy (Matthew 11:28-30). Even when the world feels empty, even when you’re overcome by grief, God can give you a peace “far beyond human understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

That doesn’t mean you won’t still long for your lost loved one. It means that God can help heal the great emptiness you feel in your heart if you tell him about your pain and ask him for peace. Take a moment right now to reflect on these verses about God’s love for you, and then try to tell him how you feel:

God sees your suffering.

You know how troubled I am;

you have kept a record of my tears.

Aren’t they listed in your book? — Psalm 56:8

You can talk to God about your pain.

Trust in God at all times, my people.

Tell him all your troubles,

for he is our refuge. — Psalm 62:8

God is with you in the depths of your anguish.

Even if I go through the deepest darkness,

I will not be afraid, Lord,

for you are with me.

Your shepherd’s rod and staff protect me. — Psalm 23:4

God can bring you joy.

He has sent me to comfort all who mourn,

To give to those who mourn in Zion

Joy and gladness instead of grief,

A song of praise instead of sorrow.

They will be like trees

That the Lord himself has planted. —Isaiah 61:2b-3

God can give you peace.

Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid. — John 14:27