Faith | Do you need comfort and strength? This Bible verse may help

Scott Smith
·3 min read
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To Thomas, Jesus revealed, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.” (John 14:6)

Over the past few years, I’ve contemplated this passage: “To Thomas, Jesus revealed, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.’ (John 14:6). I would like to share a few things that have brought comfort and strength to me that may also be of help to you.

▪ Jesus is the Way

After feeding the 5,000 near the sea of Tiberias, Jesus taught things that many perceived to be difficult to hear. He foretold of his own crucifixion and that his followers would also suffer persecution, some even unto death.

“From that time many of His disciples went back and walked no more with Him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve, Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered Him, Lord, to whom shall we go? Thou hast the words of eternal life. And we believe and are sure that thou art that Christ, the Son of the living God.” (John 6:66-69)

▪ Jesus is the Truth

Indeed, the way is not always easy or popular and rarely in harmony with the philosophies of men.

I recently read a friend’s post who stated, “I don’t believe in God. I don’t need him because I have a little voice inside of me that tells me right from wrong.”

I replied that the little voice is God. The scriptures refer to it as the light of Christ, which is given to all men, women, and children. God is good. He is love. He is faithful. I don’t know why anyone wouldn’t want or need him in their lives.

Wherever we are—on or off the path—the Lord beckons us to come unto him. We are never lost so long as we are willing to try again.

▪ Jesus is the Life

Recently, I woke from a dream in the wee hours of the night full of anguish as I was reminded of the loss of my 17-year-old son a few years ago.

As I laid there in the dark silence, I prayed for comfort and help. I felt alone and deeply saddened. But a few moments later, I was filled with a sense of peace. I began to drift back to sleep when I imagined a bright light that filled me with warmth and hope.

But then it was if someone or something interrupted the light. I could see with a bird’s eye view, though, that the light continued to shine. The obstruction did not eliminate or replace the light, it merely got between us.

The clouds of doubt, worries, and discouragement are part of our human experience. And yet the Light still shines. He is ever faithful. He is there.

Scott Smith
Scott Smith

This life is full of tragedy, discouragement, loneliness, and pain. But in the eternal plan, it is just one phase. If it were the only phase, it would not seem fair that some live long and happy lives while others die young or endure terrible trials.

The Lord has promised that one day all will be made right. He is our strength and our hope.

What does he ask?

To love him and to love others as he has loved us. To “go about doing good” as he did (Acts 10:38). And to endure until the perfect day when we will see him face-to-face once again.

He is indeed “the way, the truth, and the life.”

Guest Spiritual Life writer Scott Smith currently serves in the West Richland Stake of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Questions and comments should be directed to editor Lucy Luginbill in care of the Tri-City Herald newsroom, 4253 W. 24th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99338. Or email lluginbill@tricityherald.com.