Names of Jesus Series: Episode 5 Jesus the Comforter

Hello, my walking friend! You’ve listened to the intro, so you are probably already walking! Way to go! I know it’s not easy to get started, but these 10 minutes will bless your physical heart and your spiritual one, so let’s set our minds and hearts on Jesus.

Today is the 5^th episode in the names of Jesus series. There are so many names for Jesus! I hope you feel yourself drawing closer to him as you study them. Today we are reflecting on Jesus, the Comforter.

Our verse to meditate on today is: Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me.

Psalm 23 is probably one of the most well-known verses in the Bible. Let me read the whole chapter to you:

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. 
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

No wonder this chapter of scripture is often used at funerals. That is a time when people are grieving and looking to the Lord for comfort. In our darkest hours, we can cry out to Jesus, the Comforter.

Take a little time now to meditate on Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? 

Here’s what Jesus revealed to me as I studied and meditated on this verse:

Jesus has promised that he will never leave us nor forsake us – to the ends of the earth, to the end of days, he is with you. If you are feeling distressed or despair right now, take in a deep breath and feel his love wash over you. Feel his peace fill your soul. Remember, Jesus understands what it is like to walk through a valley. He knows that darkness that comes from being there. Jesus feels and understands your pain and fear.  That is why he is the perfect comforter. He is the perfect one to walk alongside you in your times of trouble. When we are walking through a valley, we may not always understand God’s purpose in it, but if we stay close to Jesus and trust him with everything during those times, one day we will come to understand. In 2 Corinthians, in the first chapter, we are told that God comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. Jesus wants us to share his love and kindness with those who need it. He wants us to share our valley stories so that we can testify to his presence in our lives. This is part of the good that can come out of your valley. Jesus, the Comforter, is the only one who can bring good out of evil, and this is one of the ways he does that – by using you to bless others.  

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus, the Comforter and what that means to us. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

Forgive me when I try to find comfort in the world by comforting my flesh with pleasurable things. It is easy to use food or alcohol or TV or a multitude of unhealthy things to comfort myself when I am stressed or in pain, emotional or physical. Forgive me. These are only temporary fixes. I know you are the true source of my comfort, Jesus. Even when I have walked into an awful place of my own doing, you are still there to comfort me. Knowing that you are with me, knowing that you are the source of my protection and provision, knowing that there is not a path on this earth that you have not already walked – all of this gives me peace and comfort. You are the true comforter of my soul. Help me share the comfort you have shown me with others. Thank you, Jesus, for not only walking with me always, through every valley, but for also being my comforter. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

Have you ever used worldly things, like food or binge watching television, to comfort yourself? How did that make you feel?

In what ways can you find comfort in Jesus instead of unhealthy ways?

How can you share the comfort you have found in Jesus with others?

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time:

Psalm 23:4

Even though I walk
through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
they comfort me. 

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

So, how do you feel? Do you feel a little energized after your 10 minute walk? Have you felt the presence of Jesus, the one who walks with you? I hope so! Thank you for taking the time to walk with me, my friend. But more importantly, you walked with Jesus, your comforter. For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. The October edition focuses on the names of Jesus and is a part of this series. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another name of Jesus – Jesus the Redeemer. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.