Jesus source of strength and comfort

Memories of my childhood days and Sunday nights in the old church at 8th and Hinkle are still vivid in my mind. It could be a daunting place at night after Sunday night services and all were gone. On many Sunday nights I would stay with my preacher father after church was over and would ride home with him. But one Sunday was unlike others and I remember it well.

I was about eight years old and on this Sunday, the custodian was out of town so daddy had to turn all the lights off in that church on Hinkle. Daddy told me to wait in his office until he went down to the kitchen area to turn the last of the lights off. But of course I had my own ideas and decided meet him halfway down the hall.

I started down the lighted hall when suddenly the lights went out, leaving me in the dark with an eerie feeling. Then the sounds of footsteps scared me even more. I even saw a shadow on the wall as a splash of light came beaming from around the corner.

I imagined night creature hiding in the recesses of that old church. I could be grabbed and never heard of again. But then I saw him … my daddy. In the dark I recognized him because of his walk. I ran toward him and held on to him tight as he wrapped his arms around me. He asked me why I was so afraid.

Trembling, I exclaimed, “But daddy it was dark ... I didn’t know where you were.”

But now he was here. What relief.

He set me on my feet and reached for my hand and together we walked the length of the hall and turned out the last of the lights. I was no longer afraid of the dark hall because my father’s strong hand was holding mine. We were headed home and I was at peace because my Daddy’s strong hand held mine.

The news in our world seems so damaging and evil. Many times I think that I can’t stand to hear any more bad news. Heat and draught, wildfires, police being shot, chemical warfare, the threat of nuclear attack, murders, gangs… it seems that nothing good comes on the news anymore. But with the news of the day, we need to look to our strong Father in Heaven, look to Christ the omnipotent one, the all present one who can help us in difficult and daunting times.

Jesus is our Father and he is our source of strength of comfort.

Jesus is “the way.” In John 14:6, Jesus declares: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”

Jesus is the solid rock for all humanity. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress and my deliverer; God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield and the horn of my salvation.” (2 Samuel 22:2)

Jesus is a strong arm to help the helpless. “The Lord answered Moses, ‘Is the Lord’s arm too short? You will now see whether or not what I say will come true for you.’” (Numbers 11: 23)

Jesus is our advocate. “My advocate is on high.” (Job 16:19)

Jesus is a friend that is even closer than family. “A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (Proverbs 18: 24)

Jesus is the light of the world. “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12) Jesus is the light that shows us the way through the dark halls of our lives.

Jesus is the beginning and end of all things. “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Rev. 22:13

Jesus is the author and finisher of our faith. “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2

Take heart … Jesus is here. We just have to trust him.

Judy Brandon is a Clovis resident. Contact her at:

[email protected]