Peace, human search for

Scripture teaches that peace is only found in God, but people try to find it elsewhere. A person's desire for peace varies according to his or her circumstances.

The places where people search for peace

People search for peace in others

Genesis 5:28–29 See also Song of Solomon 8:10

When Lamech was 182 years old, he had a son. And he named him Noah, saying, “May this one comfort us in the labor and toil of our hands caused by the ground that the LORD has cursed.”

People search for peace in material possessions

Ecclesiastes 4:8 See also Job 21:7–13; Daniel 4:4; Matthew 19:16–22; Luke 12:16–19

There is a man all alone, without even a son or brother. And though there is no end to his labor, his eyes are still not content with his wealth: “For whom do I toil and bereave my soul of enjoyment?” This too is futile — a miserable task.

People search for peace in God

Psalm 4:8 See also Job 22:21; Proverbs 19:23; Isaiah 26:3; Luke 7:37–50

I will lie down and sleep in peace, for You alone, O LORD, make me dwell in safety.

The dangers in searching for peace

It can lead to greed

Ecclesiastes 4:6 See also Matthew 23:25

Better one handful with tranquility than two handfuls with toil and pursuit of the wind.

It can lead to suffering and bondage

Genesis 42:1–17; Joshua 9:3–27; Mark 5:25–26

It can lead to destruction

1 Thessalonians 5:3 See also 2 Kings 20:12–19; Luke 16:19–26

While people are saying, “Peace and security,” destruction will come upon them suddenly, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.

People's search for peace varies according to their circumstances

The desire can increase in times of suffering and difficulties

Exodus 2:23 See also Jeremiah 14:19, Jeremiah 47:2–6; Lamentations 3:7–24; Ezekiel 7:23–27; Mark 5:24–34 parallels Matthew 9:18–22, Luke 8:42–48

After a long time, the king of Egypt died. The Israelites groaned and cried out under their burden of slavery, and their cry for deliverance from bondage ascended to God.

The desire can diminish in times of comfort

Exodus 8:12–15 See also Job 12:5; Hosea 10:1; Amos 6:1

After Moses and Aaron had left Pharaoh, Moses cried out to the LORD for help with the frogs that He had brought against Pharaoh. And the LORD did as Moses requested, and the frogs in the houses, the courtyards, and the fields died. They were piled into countless heaps, and there was a terrible stench in the land. When Pharaoh saw that there was relief, however, he hardened his heart and would not listen to Moses and Aaron, just as the LORD had said.