In moments of despair, Jesus Christ is relief, offering solace and hope to those who seek Him. This article will explore the concept of relief in Jesus Christ and practical steps to find relief in Jesus Christ.

In a world often filled with uncertainty, pain, and chaos, finding relief can feel like an insurmountable challenge. We all experience challenges and struggles, some are easier to see than others. For instance, mental health challenges are easier to hide compared to other illnesses such as cancer or the loss of a limb.

We all encounter relationship issues at one time or another, whether it’s from a family member, a partner, or an employer. They also come at varying degrees such as a temporary fight, divorce, or being cut off from one’s family members. One thing is for sure, we need to be certain in uncertainty.

In times like these, however, amidst the myriad of options available, there exists a timeless source of relief that transcends circumstances and provides enduring hope and comfort: Jesus Christ.

It is with Christ that we can be certain in uncertainty.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”
Romans 15:13 (NIV)

jesus can calm the inner & outer storms of life

One Bible story that illustrates finding relief in Jesus is found in the New Testament in the book of Matthew, chapter 8, verses 23-27:

“Then he got into the boat and his disciples followed him. Suddenly a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to drown!’ He replied, ‘You of little faith, why are you so afraid?’ Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!'” (Matthew 8:23-27, NIV)

In this story, Jesus and his disciples are crossing the Sea of Galilee when a sudden storm arises, causing the disciples to fear for their lives. Despite the chaos and danger, Jesus remains calm and asleep in the boat. When the disciples wake him in a panic, Jesus rebukes the storm and brings about a miraculous calm, demonstrating His power over the forces of nature.

This story illustrates how Jesus brings relief and peace in the midst of life’s storms. Just as He calmed the physical storm on the Sea of Galilee, He can also calm the storms of fear, doubt, and anxiety in our hearts. It reminds us to turn to Jesus in times of trouble, trusting in His power to bring us comfort, protection, and peace.

Finding Relief in Jesus Christ: A Source of Hope and Comfort

Throughout his life, Jesus demonstrated compassion and empathy towards the suffering, offering healing to the sick, comfort to the distressed, and hope to the hopeless.

One of the most profound aspects of Jesus’ message is his invitation to all who are weary and burdened to come to him for rest (Matthew 11:28). This is the very invitation to find relief in Jesus. Not only did Jesus heal physical ailments he healed emotional ailments too. Jesus does not need to stand here in the flesh to heal you, you can come to him and find relief in his love and mercy.

In Jesus, there is no judgment, only unconditional love and acceptance.

“My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise.
Psalm 51:17 (NIV):

Reflective Thought

Can you recall a specific moment when you found relief or comfort in your faith in Jesus Christ? What was happening in your life at that time, and how did turning to Him bring you relief?

Reflect on times when you have surrendered your worries, fears, or burdens to Jesus Christ. How did letting go and trusting in Him bring relief, even if the situation didn’t immediately change?

The Power of Faith

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
Hebrews 11:1, KJV

Faith in Jesus Christ offers a perspective that transcends the temporal challenges of life. It provides assurance that, ultimately, all things work together for good for those who love God (Romans 8:28).

This does not mean that life will be free from trials or suffering, but rather that even in the midst of adversity, there is a higher purpose at work—a purpose rooted in love and redemption.

Faith and endurance is a transformative force that brings about profound change in our lives. Through faith, individuals find strength in adversity, healing in brokenness, and purpose in uncertainty.

Finding Relief in Community

Another aspect of finding relief in Jesus Christ is the sense of community that accompanies faith. Our spiritual family offers support, encouragement, and fellowship to one another. This sense of belonging provides a profound source of comfort, especially during times of hardship or grief.

Moreover, the teachings of Jesus emphasize the importance of loving one another and bearing each other’s burdens (Galatians 6:2). In practicing these principles, believers not only find relief for themselves but also become agents of relief for others, embodying the compassion and kindness of Christ in their interactions with the world.

My Personal Experience in Finding Ultimate Peace Through Jesus Christ

A few years ago my marriage was on the rocks, it was an incredibly hard time in my life. I was living in a foreign country, leaving all of my friends and family behind, looking after two young children on a shaky marriage with no one to talk to.

I had set up a bedroom for myself in the basement because the tension and conflict was unbearable and I felt like I was heading for a nervous breakdown.

At my breaking point I stayed in the basement for two days reading scriptures and pouring my heart out in prayer. After some time I felt the deepest sensation of peace that I had not experienced before in my life. The situation had not changed although internally I felt deep peace.

While Jesus Christ does not take all of our struggles away he can bear our burdens so that we can deal with life situations without being completely broken.

How to Find Relief in Jesus Christ

Finding relief in Jesus Christ involves turning to Him in faith, prayer, and trust. Here are steps you might take:

#1 Acknowledge Your Need

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV): “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

Seeking relief and comfort begins with acknowledging and accepting one’s emotions. It’s essential to recognize and validate feelings of distress, sadness, anxiety, or anger. Recognize that you need relief and that Jesus Christ offers it.

Admit your struggles, pains, and burdens. Understand that you cannot do this on your own, the Savior sacrificed himself in order to help bear your burdens.

Avoidance or denial of situations in our life do not simply go away. In fact avoiding your problems only allows them to grow larger until you can no longer ignore them in your life. Because of this growth they become harder to deal with and only proves your fears right in the fact that it was a scary and overwhelming situation to deal with.

Reflective Thought

Is there anything you are trying to avoid facing in your life? Have you ignored any situations in your life that grew so large you had to deal with it?

#2 Seek Him in Prayer

Psalm 34:17-18 (NIV): “The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”

Find the time to create a safe space to process emotions and lose yourself in prayer. This could be a small area in a room of your home. If your anxiety is extremely high you may want to create this safe space out of the home.

The temple is God’s house and is a great space to find solace. Approach Jesus in prayer, pouring out your heart to Him. Share your worries, fears, and concerns with Him honestly.

# 3 Study His Words

“Every word of God is flawless; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him.”
Proverbs 30:5 (NIV)

Read the Bible, particularly the teachings of Jesus Christ. His words offer guidance, comfort, and hope.

Read the scriptures and make time to journal any impressions you may have felt during your scripture study. Jesus Christ never breaks his promises to us, reading about the promises he has made to you can be comforting.

#4 Trust His Promises

John 14:27 (NIV): “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”

Believe in the promises of Jesus Christ. Trust that He cares for you and will provide the relief you seek. Remember the only person that creates distance between Christ and us, is us. Christ is always there knocking on the door, but it is up to us to open the door and walk through.

Consider creating a journal and writing all the times you have trusted in Christ and how he has answered your prayers. In times of doubt, your journal is your testimony to remind you and rekindle your faith and assurance in Jesus Christ.

5# Embrace His Love

1 John 4:16 (NIV): “And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them.”

Understand that Jesus Christ loves you unconditionally. Accept His love and allow it to bring healing and peace to your soul. A way that I experience Jesus Christs love is by sitting in a quiet setting and simply feeling into my heart, feeling the love that I possess and then I imagine sending it to the Savior. This increases the feelings of love in my heart and brings me great happiness.

#6 Connect with Others

Matthew 18:20 (NIV): “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”

Surround yourself with a community of fellow believers who can support and encourage you in your faith journey. One of the things I love most about being a member of the Church of Jesus Christ Latter Day Saints is that you can call on Relief Society in times of trial to seek out help.

We also have ministering brothers and sisters. There is no reason that you should be alone in times of trial, there are people with outstretched hands that want to reach you and provide relief.

#7 Practice Faith

Hebrews 11:1 (NIV): “Now faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.”

Act on your faith in Jesus Christ. Follow His teachings, live according to His example, and rely on His strength to overcome challenges. As James in 2:17 tells us faith without works is dead. Heavenly Father wants us to take action on our faith, he wants to see us exert ourselves with effort to find a solution ourselves. God helps those who help themselves

Conclusion

In a world that often feels fraught with uncertainty and despair, the message and presence of Jesus Christ offers a beacon of hope and comfort. Through his life, teachings, and sacrificial love, Jesus provides a source of relief that transcends circumstances and endures through all seasons of life.

Whether facing personal struggles, societal challenges, or global crises, individuals can find solace in the unwavering presence of Jesus Christ—the ultimate source of relief.

Amidst life’s storms, the steadfast truth remains: Jesus Christ is relief, our anchor in turbulent seas.

May Gods grace be with you,

Vanessa Rooney

LDS Mum