Jesus the Comforter

Watching the Olympic Games over the past few days, I have been struck by how some athletes and coaches offer comfort and help to one another, especially when losses occur or when an athlete fails or falls or makes a mistake. In a more perfect and profound way, Jesus always loves to comfort and help us when things go wrong or become difficult. He loves to dry our tears and change grief into joy. Jesus’ words of comfort and consolation have power to quiet any troubled or upset mind. When the disciples became troubled to hear that Jesus would be leaving them he said these words; “Do not let your hearts be troubled” John 14:1. Jesus’ words remind us that when losses occur or when we fail, fall or make a mistake, no matter how dark the night is, no matter how messy things are, Jesus can put stars into our dark sky and bring hope and light in the morning. The Gospels remind us over and over again that there is comfort for Jesus’ followers, even when in the most hopeless grief or difficult situation. As Jesus says, “And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another comforter to help you and be with you forever - the Spirit of truth” John 14:16. In our services this coming Sunday Aug 8 we follow our Olympic theme with 'Fight the Good Fight of Faith'.