Study Aide 2024 – January- March
January, 2024 – Conquer Fear by Trusting in Jehovah
3 In Psalm 56, David expresses his feelings while he was in Gath. That psalm lays bare David’s fears, but it also reveals how he conquered those fears. When he felt afraid, David trusted in Jehovah. (ReadPsalm 56:1-3, 11.) His trust was not misplaced. With Jehovah’s blessing, David devised an unusual but effective strategy: He pretended to be crazy! Achish now viewed David more as an irritant than a threat, so David was able to escape.—1 Sam. 21:13–22:1.
4 We too can conquer fear by trusting in Jehovah. But how do we strengthen our trust in Jehovah, especially when we are afraid? Consider an illustration. If you learn that you have an illness, you may at first feel afraid. However, you can ease your fears if you trust your doctor. He may have an outstanding record of treating patients with that illness. He may listen attentively, convincing you that he really understands your feelings. And he may propose a treatment that has worked well for others. Similarly, we strengthen our trust in Jehovah by considering what he has already done, what he is doing now, and what he will yet do for us. That is what David did. As we consider some of his inspired words found in Psalm 56, think about how you too can strengthen your trust in Jehovah and conquer your fears.
5 While David’s life was still at risk, he focused his attention on what Jehovah had already done. (ReadPsalm 56:12, 13.) That was David’s pattern of thinking throughout his life. For example, at times he meditated on Jehovah’s creative works, which reminded him of Jehovah’s almighty power and keen interest in humankind. (Ps. 65:6-9) David also meditated on what Jehovah had done for others. (Ps. 31:19; 37:25, 26) And he especially meditated on what Jehovah had already done for him personally.Jehovah had supported and protected David from infancy. (Ps. 22:9, 10) Imagine how such meditation must have bolstered David’s trust in Jehovah!
6 When you feel afraid, ask yourself, ‘What has Jehovah already done?’ Reflect on what he has created. For example, when we “observe intently” how Jehovah cares for the birds and the flowers—which were not created in his image and are not capable of worshipping him—we will build up our trust that he will care for us too. (Matt. 6:25-32) Consider also what Jehovah has done for his worshippers. You might study a Bible character who showed outstanding faith, or you might read the experience of a modern-day servant of Jehovah. a Additionally, meditate on how Jehovah has already cared for you. How did he draw you to the truth? (John 6:44) How has he answered your prayers? (1 John 5:14) How are you benefiting every day from the sacrifice of his beloved Son?—Eph. 1:7; Heb. 4:14-16.
9 When you face a trial that makes you afraid, remember that Jehovah takes note of the trial and of how that trial makes you feel. For example, Jehovah noticed not only the mistreatment of the Israelites in Egypt but also “the pains they [suffered].” (Ex. 3:7) David
sang that Jehovah saw both his “affliction” and his “deep distress.” (Ps. 31:7) And when God’s people suffered—even as a result of their own foolish decisions—“it was distressing to him.” (Isa. 63:9) When you are afraid, Jehovah understands how you feel and he is eager to help you conquer your fears.
16 During the great tribulation, people in general will become “faint out of fear.” But God’s people will remain steadfast and courageous. (Read Luke 21:26-28.) Why will we not give in to fear? Because we will have already learned to trust in Jehovah. Tanja, quoted earlier, says that her past experiences are helping her to face other unsettling situations. “I have learned that there is no situation that Jehovah cannot work out for our good,” she observes. “Sometimes it may seem that others are controlling things, but the reality is that they have only as much control as Jehovah allows. And though a trial may be hard, it will end.”
17 Fear is normal today. But like David, we can refuse to be trapped by fear. Our 2024 yeartext is David’s prayer to Jehovah: “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” (Ps. 56:3) As one Bible reference work stated about this verse, David “neither feeds his fear nor stares at his problems but looks to his Redeemer who will deliver him.” Think about our yeartext in the coming months, especially when you are facing frightening situations. Take time to reflect on Jehovah’s actions in the past, present, and future. Then, like David, you can declare: “In God I put my trust; I am not afraid.”—Ps. 56:4.
January, 2024 – Are You Ready for the Most Important Day of the Year?
5 One of the most important ways we can prepare our heart for the Memorial is by reflecting on the value of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. On our own, we could never redeem ourselves from sin and death. (Read Psalm 49:7, 8; see also the video Why Did Jesus Die? a So at great cost to himself and to his dear Son, Jehovah arranged for Jesus to give his life in our behalf. (Rom. 6:23) The more we meditate on what Jehovah and Jesus sacrificed for us, the more we will appreciate the ransom. We will consider just a few of the things that the ransom cost Jehovah and Jesus. But first, what did the ransom involve?
13 How can we help others to benefit from the Memorial? A first step, of course, is to invite them. In addition to contacting those we meet in our regular ministry, we can make a list of people to invite. These could include our relatives, workmates, schoolmates, and others. Even if we do not have enough printed copies of the invitation, we can share a link to the electronic version. Who knows how many will respond!—Eccl. 11:6.
14 Never underestimate the power of a personal invitation. One day, a sister who lived in a religiously divided household was surprised when her husband proudly told her that he was planning to join her for the Memorial. Why was she surprised? Because many times in the past, she had encouraged him to attend, but he never did. What made the difference this time? “I got a personal invitation,” he said, explaining that a local elder with whom he was acquainted had invited him. The husband attended that year and for many years thereafter.
17 During the Memorial season, how can elders assist those who are inactive? Give them loving attention. (Read Ezekiel 34:12, 16.) Before the Memorial, be sure to call on as many as possible. Assure them of your affection and your desire to help in any way you can. Invite them to attend the Memorial. If they do attend, welcome them warmly. After the Memorial, keep in touch with these dear brothers and sisters, and provide whatever spiritual assistance they need to return to Jehovah.—1 Pet. 2:25.
18 All in the congregation can help inactive ones who attend the Memorial. How? By treating them with love, kindness, and respect. (Read Romans 12:10.) Remember that these dear sheep may have hesitated to return to a meeting. Perhaps they were afraid they would not be well-received.e So avoid putting them on the spot by asking embarrassing questions or by making comments that could be hurtful. (1 Thess. 5:11) These brothers and sisters are our fellow believers. We are happy to worship with them once again!—Ps. 119:176; Acts 20:35.
Box for par 18
How Did the Congregation React?
“I was embarrassed to return to the Kingdom Hall. I wondered how the friends would treat me. One of our elderly sisters who was there 30 years ago said to me, ‘Welcome home, Son!’ That really touched my heart. I was truly home.”—JAVIER.
“I went to the Kingdom Hall and sat in the last row so that no one would notice me. However, many began to recognize me from the days when I had attended as a child. They welcomed me and embraced me so affectionately that I felt an overwhelming peace. It was as if I had come home.”—MARCO.
January, 2024 – Do You Treat Women as Jehovah Does?
Ask a good friend. (Prov. 18:17) We do well to turn to a trusted friend who is known to be kind and balanced and ask him such questions as: “How do you think I treat sisters? Can they tell that I respect them? Can I improve my interactions with them in any way?” If your friend highlights some ways you can improve, avoid becoming defensive. Instead, be eager to make the needed adjustments.
Study God’s Word. The best way for us to know if we are treating sisters well is to examine our attitude and actions in the light of God’s Word. (Heb. 4:12) As we study the Bible, we learn about men who treated women well and men who did not. We can then compare their actions with our own. Additionally, comparing Bible verses can prevent us from unknowingly taking scriptures out of context to support a mistaken view we have of women. For example, according to 1 Peter 3:7, a wife is to be assigned “honor as to a weaker vessel.”
Does this mean that she is inferior—less intelligent or capable—than a man? By no means! Compare Peter’s words with what Galatians 3:26-29 indicates, namely, that Jehovah has chosen women as well as men to be corulers with Jesus in heaven. When we study God’s Word and ask a good friend for his or her comments about how we treat women, we can learn to show the proper respect for our sisters.
Brothers in the congregation can also learn to treat sisters respectfully by following the example of loving elders. How do elders take the lead in showing respect for sisters? Consider some specific ways.
They commend sisters. The apostle Paul set a good example for elders to imitate. He publicly commended several sisters in the letter he wrote to the congregation in Rome. (Rom. 16:12) Can you imagine the joy those sisters must have felt when Paul’s letter was read to the congregation? Similarly, elders generously commend sisters for their fine qualities and for the work they do for Jehovah. This makes sisters aware of how deeply they are respected and appreciated. The encouraging words of an elder may be exactly what these sisters need as they keep serving Jehovah faithfully.—Prov. 15:23.
When commending sisters, elders make their comments genuine and specific. Why? A sister named Jessica says: “It is nice when brothers say to a sister ‘good job.’ But we especially appreciate it when brothers commend us for something specific, such as teaching our children to sit quietly at the meetings or going out of our way to pick up a Bible student to bring her to the meeting.” When elders commend sisters on something specific, they make sisters feel needed and valued in the congregation.
They listen to sisters. Humble elders recognize that they do not have the monopoly on good ideas. Such elders invite sisters to share their suggestions, and they listen carefully when sisters speak. In doing so, elders encourage sisters and benefit themselves. How? An elder named Gerardo, who serves at Bethel, says: “I have found that asking sisters for their input helps me do my work more efficiently. Often, they have done the job longer than most brothers.” In the congregation, many sisters serve as pioneers, so they know a lot about the people who live in the local area. An elder named Bryan says: “Our sisters have much to offer the organization. So benefit from their experience!”
Wise elders are not quick to dismiss the suggestions of sisters. Why? “A sister’s opinion and experience can help a brother to see the entire scope of a matter, and it can help him to develop empathy,” says an elder named Edward. (Prov. 1:5) Even if an elder cannot implement a sister’s suggestion, he can still thank her for her observations and acknowledge her insight.
They train sisters. Discerning elders look for opportunities to train sisters. For example, they can teach sisters how to conduct meetings for field service in the event that a baptized brother is not available. They can train them to operate tools or machinery so that they can assist with theocratic maintenance and construction projects. At Bethel, overseers have trained sisters to care for a variety of assignments, including maintenance, purchasing, accounting, computer programming, and so forth. When elders train sisters, they show that they view sisters as capable and trustworthy.
We love our faithful sisters as Jehovah does! So we treat them like family. (1 Tim. 5:1, 2) We are honored and proud to serve alongside them. And we are so happy when they sense our love and support. A sister named Vanessa says: “I am so thankful to Jehovah for being part of his organization, which is filled with brothers who have refreshed my spirit.” A sister in Taiwan says: “I am very thankful that Jehovah and his organization place such high value on women and on our feelings. This strengthens my faith and makes me appreciate even more the privilege I have of being a part of Jehovah’s organization.”
January, 2024 – Jehovah Will Help You During Difficult Times
TRAGIC events can change our life overnight. For example, a faithful brother named Luis
a was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer. The doctor told him that he had only a few months to live. Monika and her husband were busy in spiritual activities. Then one day, Monika learned that her husband, an elder, had been living a double life for years. Olivia, a single sister, was forced to evacuate her home because a devastating hurricane was approaching. When she returned, she found that the storm had destroyed her house. In one brief moment, the lives of these individuals changed drastically. Can you relate to what they experienced? Have you faced an event that suddenly turned your world upside down?
3 The challenge. When we experience a tragic event, we may find it difficult to think clearly and make decisions. Why? Our heart may be in extreme pain. Our mind may feel weighed down by anxiety. We could feel as if we were wandering through a fog, uncertain which direction to take. Note how the two sisters mentioned earlier felt during their trials. Olivia says: “After the hurricane demolished my home, I felt lost and completely overwhelmed.” Monika says regarding her husband’s betrayal: “I felt more than disappointed. I felt a pain that truly crushed me from within. I didn’t know how to function normally anymore. What seemed unbelievable had happened to me.” How does Jehovah promise to help us when we feel overwhelmed?
4 What Jehovah does. He promises to give us what the Bible calls “the peace of God.” (Read Philippians 4:6, 7.) This peace refers to the calmness and tranquility of mind and heart that result from our precious relationship with him. This peace “surpasses all understanding”; it is more wonderful than we can imagine. Have you ever felt surprisingly calm after praying fervently to Jehovah? That feeling is “the peace of God.”
6 What we need to do. When you are troubled, summon the guard, so to speak. How? Pray until you feel the peace of God. (Luke 11:9; 1 Thess. 5:17) Luis, mentioned earlier, explained how he and his wife, Ana, were able to cope when they learned that he had only a few months left to live. He said: “In a moment like this, it is extremely difficult to make decisions about health care and other matters. But prayer has been indispensable in bringing us peace during this process.” Luis and his wife said that they prayed intensely and repeatedly, asking Jehovah to give them peace of mind, a calm heart, and the wisdom to make good decisions. And they felt his help. If you are facing a crisis, persevere in prayer, and you will experience Jehovah’s peace as it guards your heart and mind.—Rom. 12:12.
7 The challenge. When we go through a difficult trial, our feelings, thoughts, and reactions may not be as balanced as they normally are. We could feel as if we were being tossed from one strong emotion to the next. Ana, mentioned earlier, stated that she went through a wide range of emotions after Luis’ death. She said: “When feelings of emptiness set in, I would start feeling sorry for myself. I would also get angry that he was gone.” Furthermore, Ana felt lonely and was frustrated at having to make decisions on matters that Luis had cared for so well. At times, she felt that she was in a storm at sea. How does Jehovah help us when such emotions begin flooding over us?
8 What Jehovah does. He assures us that he will stabilize us. (Read Isaiah 33:6.) When a ship encounters a storm, it may begin to rock dangerously from side to side. To counteract this movement, many ships have stabilizers that extend from each side of the ship under the water. These stabilizers can significantly reduce the rocking of the ship, making the situation safer and more bearable for passengers. However, many stabilization systems work best when the ship is moving forward. Similarly, Jehovah will stabilize us as we move forward faithfully in times of trial.
9 What we need to do. When you are in the midst of an emotional storm, do your best to keep up with your spiritual routine. Granted, you may not be able to do as much as you could before, but remember that Jehovah is reasonable. (Compare Luke 21:1-4.) As part of your spiritual routine, set aside time for personal study and meditation. Why? Through his organization, Jehovah has provided outstanding Scriptural information that can help us maintain our balance. To find what you need, you can use research tools available in your language, such as the JW Library® app, Watch Tower Publications Index, and Research Guide for Jehovah’s Witnesses. Monika, mentioned earlier, stated that she turned to the research tools for advice when she felt an emotional storm coming. For example, she searched the word “anger.” At other times, she searched “betrayal” or “loyalty.” Then she would read until she felt better. She said: “What started as frantic keystrokes turned into a hug from Jehovah. As I read, I came to realize that Jehovah understood all my different feelings, and he was helping me.” Such assistance from Jehovah can also help you to maintain your balance until you reach calmer waters.—Ps. 119:143, 144.
10 The challenge. After a traumatic event, there may be days when we feel weak physically and emotionally. We might feel like an injured athlete who used to run fast but now walks with a limp. We may struggle with tasks that we could previously do with ease, or we may have little motivation to engage in activities we once enjoyed. Like Elijah, we could feel that it is too hard to get up. We just want to sleep. (1 Ki. 19:5-7) What does Jehovah promise to do when we feel weak?
11 What Jehovah does. He promises to support us. (Read Psalm 94:18.) Just as an injured athlete needs support to move about, we may need help to keep active in Jehovah’s service. In those moments, Jehovah assures us: “I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’” (Isa. 41:13) King David experienced this help. When faced with trials and enemies, he said to Jehovah: “Your right hand supports me.” (Ps. 18:35) But how does Jehovah provide support?
12 Jehovah often supports us by motivating others to help us. For example, once when David felt weak, his friend Jonathan visited him to provide emotional support and words of encouragement. (1 Sam. 23:16, 17) Similarly, Jehovah chose Elisha to provide practical help to Elijah. (1 Ki. 19:16, 21; 2 Ki. 2:2) Today, Jehovah may use family, friends, or the elders to support us. However, when we are hurt, we may be inclined to withdraw. We just want to be left alone. That is a normal reaction. What can we do to receive Jehovah’s support?
13 What we need to do. Fight the urge to isolate yourself. When we isolate ourselves, our focus often narrows, and we begin to think only about ourselves and the problems we are going through. This type of thinking can affect the decisions we make. (Prov. 18:1) Of course, we all need moments to be alone, especially when confronted with tragic situations. However, if we were to isolate ourselves for an extended period, we could push away the very means that Jehovah is using to support us. So as hard as it may be during a difficult time, welcome the help of your family, friends, and elders. View them for what they are—Jehovah’s means of supporting you.—Prov. 17:17; Isa. 32:1, 2.
16 What we need to do. Regularly spend time with Jehovah—praying to him and reading his Word. (Ps. 77:1, 12-14) Then when you are under stress, your first thought will likely be to turn to your heavenly Father. Share your fears and concerns with Jehovah. Let him talk to you and console you through the Scriptures. (Ps. 119:28) You may find that specific portions of the Bible can be particularly comforting when you are afraid. For example, you may find encouragement in the books of Job, Psalms, and Proverbs as well as in Jesus’ words found in Matthew chapter 6. As you pray to Jehovah and read his Word, you will feel his comfort.
January, 2024 – Jehovah Has Tender Affection for You
2 Because we cannot see Jehovah, we may find it difficult to believe that he loves us. Some think that Jehovah could never love them because of their past experiences in life. Perhaps they never had a father who loved them. Jehovah understands such feelings and how they affect us. To help us, he reveals his beautiful personality in his Word.
4 “Jehovah is very tender in affection.” (Jas. 5:11) In the Bible, he compares himself to an affectionate mother. (Isa. 66:12, 13) Just imagine a mother who lovingly cares for her little child. She tenderly bounces him on her knees and speaks to him in a gentle, soothing voice. When he cries or is in pain, she makes sure he has what he needs. When we are in pain, we can count on Jehovah’s love. The psalmist wrote: “When anxieties overwhelmed me, you comforted and soothed me.”—Ps. 94:19.
5 Jehovah is loyal. (Ps. 103:8) He does not give up on us when we do something wrong. The nation of Israel disappointed Jehovah time and again; yet, he expressed his unfailing love to his repentant people with these words: “You became precious in my eyes, you were honored, and I have loved you.” (Isa. 43:4, 5) God’s love has not changed. We can always rely on it. Even if we have made serious mistakes, Jehovah does not abandon us. When we repent and return to Jehovah, we will find his love for us intact. He promises that “he will forgive in a large way.” (Isa. 55:7) The Bible describes this forgiveness as bringing “seasons of refreshing . . . from Jehovah himself.”—Acts 3:19.
6 Read Zechariah 2:8. Because he loves us, Jehovah is sensitive to our feelings and is eager to protect us. He feels hurt when we are hurt. As a result, we can rightly pray: “Guard me like the pupil of your eye.” (Ps. 17:8) The eye is a sensitive and precious part of the body. So when Jehovah compares us to the pupil of his eye, it is as if he were saying, ‘Anyone who harms you, my people, harms what is precious to me.’
7 Jehovah wants us to be convinced that he loves us personally. But he knows that because of past experiences, we may wonder whether he could love us. Or we may be facing situations right now that test our confidence in Jehovah’s love. What will strengthen our confidence? Learning how Jehovah expresses his love toward Jesus, the anointed, and all of us.
14 Jehovah lovingly cares for us, especially when bad things happen in our life. Claire,a who has served at Bethel for over 20 years, felt helpless when her family faced one devastating blow after another. Her father suffered a debilitating stroke, one of her sisters was disfellowshipped, and her family lost their small business and their home. How did Jehovah show his loving care to them? Claire says: “Jehovah saw to it that my family always had whatever they needed for each day. Time and again, what Jehovah provided was beyond anything I could ever imagine! I often think about the moments when I experienced Jehovah’s tender love, and I treasure them. These memories have helped me to keep going during trials.”
16 Similarly today, “it is because of Jehovah’s loyal love that we have not come to our finish” when faced with life’s trials and struggles. (Lam. 3:22; Col. 1:11) Consider the example of Rachel. She was devastated when her husband left both her and Jehovah during the COVID-19 pandemic. What did Jehovah do for her? She says: “Jehovah made sure that I felt loved. He surrounded me with friends who spent time with me, brought me meals, sent thoughtful messages and scriptures, smiled at me, and kept reminding me that Jehovah was caring for me. I constantly thank Jehovah for giving me a big loving family.”
18 How does the assurance of Jehovah’s love strengthen us when we face frightening situations? A pioneer named Susi describes how she and her husband felt when their son took his own life: “Sudden tragedy is traumatic and can leave one feeling vulnerable and helpless. But Jehovah’s tender affection has made us feel safe and protected.” Rachel, mentioned earlier, recalls: “One night when my heart ached terribly and I was very worried and scared, I groaned out loud to Jehovah. Right then I felt that he soothed my heart and calmed me down, as a mother does for her baby, and I fell asleep. I will never forget that moment.” An elder named Tasos spent four years in prison for refusing to join the army. How did he experience Jehovah’s love and care? He says: “Jehovah took care of all my needs and more. This strengthened my confidence that I can fully trust in him. Also, through his spirit, Jehovah gave me joy despite being in a depressing environment. This assured me that the closer I work with him, the more I will benefit from his goodness. So I began serving him as a regular pioneer while in prison.”19 The experiences that we have discussed all prove that Jehovah, “the God of love,” is with us! (2 Cor. 13:11) He is interested in us personally. We are convinced that we are “surrounded by His loyal love.” (Ps. 32:10) The more we meditate on how he has shown us his love, the more real he becomes and the closer we feel to him. We can approach him freely and tell him how much we need his love. We can share all our worries with him, confident that he understands and that he is eager to help us.—Ps. 145:18, 19.
February, 2024 – “I Will Never Abandon You”!
February, 2024 – – “Praise the Name of Jehovah”
February, 2024 – Lessons We Can Learn From the Nazirites
3 The Nazirite arrangement ended when the Mosaic Law was replaced by “the law of the Christ.” (Gal. 6:2; Rom. 10:4) However, like the Nazirites, Jehovah’s people today continue to show an intense desire to serve him with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength. (Mark 12:30) We willingly make a vow to do so when we dedicate ourselves to Jehovah. Living up to that vow involves submitting to Jehovah’s will and making sacrifices. As we examine how the Nazirites lived up to their vow, we can learn valuable lessons about how we can live up to ours.b (Matt. 16:24) Let us consider some examples.
5 Like the Nazirites, we too make sacrifices to worship Jehovah more fully. Consider the example of Madián and Marcela.d This Christian couple enjoyed a comfortable life. Madián had a good job that allowed them to live in a beautiful apartment. However, they wanted to do more in their service to Jehovah. To achieve that goal, they decided to make some adjustments. “We started reducing our expenses,” they say. “We moved to a smaller apartment and sold our car.” Madián and Marcela did not have to make these sacrifices—they chose to make them because doing so allowed them to expand their ministry. They feel satisfied and happy about their decisions.
6 Christians today find joy in making personal sacrifices in order to dedicate more time to theocratic activities. (1 Cor. 9:3-6) Jehovah does not require us to make these sacrifices; nor are the things given up wrong in themselves. For example, some forgo a preferred job, a home, or even a pet. Many have decided to postpone getting married or starting a family. Others have chosen to serve where the need is greater, even though that means living far away from loved ones. Many of us willingly make such sacrifices because we want to give Jehovah our best. Be assured that Jehovah greatly values any sacrifice, large or small, that you choose to make in order to serve him.—Heb. 6:10.
9 Because we choose to submit to Jehovah’s will, we stand out as different from the people around us. We need courage to identify ourselves as Jehovah’s Witnesses at work or at school. And as this world’s attitudes and conduct go from bad to worse, we will likely find it more difficult to live according to Bible principles and share the good news with others. (2 Tim. 1:8; 3:13) Always remember, though, that we “make [Jehovah’s] heart rejoice” when we courageously stand out as different from those who do not serve him.—Prov. 27:11; Mal. 3:18.
10 Read Numbers 6:6, 7. Nazirites could not go near a dead body. At first glance, this might not seem like a big sacrifice. In Bible times, though, a Nazirite would have found this requirement to be a real challenge when a close relative died. Funeral customs of the day involved being near the body of the deceased. (John 19:39, 40; Acts 9:36-40) A Nazirite’s vow would very much limit his ability to follow such customs. Even when dealing with family situations during times of great grief, Nazirites showed strong faith by sticking to their vow. Jehovah surely strengthened these devoted worshippers of his to deal with the challenges that they had to face.14 All who choose to worship Jehovah today need to be willing to make sacrifices motivated by love. At times, doing so is not easy. How can we help one another to show such an attitude? By being encouraging with our words. (Job 16:5) Are there some in your congregation who are trying to simplify their life in order to have a greater share in theocratic activities? Do you know young ones who are bravely standing out as different from others in school, even though it is difficult for them to do so? What about Bible students and fellow believers who may be struggling to remain faithful because of family opposition? Let us seize every opportunity to speak reassuringly to such dear fellow worshippers, expressing our appreciation for their self-sacrificing spirit and courage.—Philem. 4, 5, 7.
February, 2024 – Keep Following Jehovah’s Guidance
IMAGINE that you are lost in a forest. Danger lurks around you: wild animals, disease-carrying insects, poisonous plants, and rocky terrain. How grateful you would be for an experienced guide who knows where the danger is and how to steer you away from it! This world is like that forest. It is filled with danger that especially threatens our spiritual health. But we have a perfect Guide—Jehovah. He leads us away from the danger and toward our destination—everlasting life in the new world.
February, 2024 – Find Happiness While Waiting Patiently for Jehovah
17 At times, we receive counsel that safeguards us from such things as materialism and activities that can put us in danger of breaking God’s laws. Here, too, we are blessed by following the guidance Jehovah provides. We maintain a clean conscience and spare ourselves unnecessary stress. (1 Tim. 6:9, 10) As a result, we can wholeheartedly pursue the worship of Jehovah, which brings the deepest joy, peace, and satisfaction.—Read Isaiah 48:17, 18.
Stay busy praising Jehovah. The writer of Psalm 71, apparently David, said to Jehovah: “I will continue to wait; I will add to your praise.” (Ps. 71:14) How would he praise Jehovah? He would tell others about Jehovah and sing praises to him. (Ps. 71:16, 23) Like David, we can find joy while waiting for Jehovah. We praise him through our ministry, our daily conversations, and our songs for worship. The next time you sing a Kingdom song, why not pay careful attention to its uplifting message?
Draw encouragement from your brothers and sisters. When David faced challenges, he said to Jehovah: “In the presence of your loyal ones, I will hope in your name.” (Ps. 52:9) We too can draw encouragement from loyal fellow worshippers, not only at our meetings and in the ministry but also during social occasions.—Rom. 1:11, 12.
Strengthen your hope. Psalm 62:5 says: “I wait silently for God because my hope comes from him.” Strong hope includes confident expectation—which is crucial if we have to endure this system longer than we imagined. We must be convinced that Jehovah’s promises will become realities no matter how long we may have to wait for them. We can strengthen our hope by studying God’s Word—the prophecies, the internal harmony, and the details Jehovah reveals about himself. (Ps. 1:2, 3) Also, we need to continue to “pray with holy spirit” to keep our good relationship with Jehovah while we wait for his promise of everlasting life to be fulfilled.—Jude 20, 21.
March, 2024 – Are You Ready to Dedicate Yourself to Jehovah?
3 In the Bible, dedication signifies a setting apart for a sacred purpose. The Israelites were a nation dedicated to Jehovah. But some individuals in the nation were dedicated to Jehovah in a special way. For example, Aaron wore a “holy sign of dedication”—a shining gold plate on the front of his turban. That gold plate indicated that he was set apart to serve in a special capacity—as Israel’s high priest. (Lev. 8:9) The Nazirites too were dedicated to Jehovah in a special way. The word “Nazirite,” which comes from the Hebrew word nazirʹ, means “Separated One,” or “Dedicated One.” Nazirites were to live by the restrictions that were set out for them in the Mosaic Law.—Num. 6:2-8.
4 When you dedicate yourself to Jehovah, you choose to become a disciple of Jesus Christ and make the doing of God’s will the most important thing in your life. What will Christian dedication require of you? Jesus said: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself.” (Matt. 16:24) The Greek phrase translated “let him disown himself” can also be rendered “he must say no to himself.” As a dedicated servant of Jehovah, you will need to say no to anything that conflicts with his will. (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) That includes saying no to “the works of the flesh,” such as sexual immorality. (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:18) Will such restrictions make your life difficult? Not if you love Jehovah and are convinced that his laws are for your own good. (Ps. 119:97; Isa. 48:17, 18) A brother named Nicholas puts it this way, “You can view Jehovah’s standards either like the bars of a prison that keep you from doing what you want to do or like the bars of a lion cage that protect you from danger.”
6 The main reason you dedicate yourself to Jehovah is that you love him. Your love is not based on emotion alone. Rather, it is rooted in “accurate knowledge” and “spiritual comprehension”—the things that you learned about Jehovah that caused your love for him to grow. (Col. 1:9) Your study of the Scriptures has convinced you (1) that Jehovah is real, (2) that the Bible is his inspired Word, and (3) that he uses his organization to accomplish his will.
11 Some who are ready for dedication and baptism still hold back. They may wonder, ‘What if afterward I commit a serious sin and get disfellowshipped?’ If you have that fear, be assured that Jehovah will give you everything you need “to walk worthily of [him] in order to please him fully.” (Col. 1:10) He will also give you the strength to do what is right. He has already proved that he can do that by how he has dealt with many others. (1 Cor. 10:13) That is one reason why relatively few people are expelled from the Christian congregation. Jehovah equips his people to remain faithful.
12 Every imperfect human is tempted to do wrong things. (Jas. 1:14) However, whether you act on temptation is a choice—your choice. The fact is that ultimately you are the one who is in control of how you will live. Though some people may make claims to the contrary, you can learn to control your impulses. And even if some improper impulses surface, you can refrain from acting on them. To that end, pray every day. Maintain a good routine of personal study of God’s Word. Attend Christian meetings. Share your faith with others. Taking these steps consistently will give you the strength to live up to your dedication vow. And never forget that Jehovah will help you to do so.—Gal. 5:16.
14 How can you show a similar resolve to that of Joseph? You can decide now what you will do if a temptation arises. Learn to say no immediately to things that Jehovah hates, even refusing to dwell on them. (Ps. 97:10; 119:165) That way you will not waver when tempted. You will already know how you will respond. You will already have settled on your course.
15 In your case, you may know that you have found the truth and that you want to serve Jehovah with all your heart but something still holds you back from dedication and baptism. You can take to heart the example of King David. You can beg Jehovah: “Search through me, O God, and know my heart. Examine me, and know my anxious thoughts. See whether there is in me any harmful way, and lead me in the way of eternity.” (Ps. 139:23, 24) Jehovah blesses those who are “earnestly seeking him.” Your working toward the goal of dedication and baptism shows him you are doing just that.—Read Hebrews 11:6.
16 Jesus said that his disciples are drawn by Jehovah. (Read John 6:44.) Consider what a profound thought that is and how it applies to you. Jehovah sees something good in each person he draws to himself. He views the individual as his “special property,” or “treasured possession.” (Deut. 7:6; ftn.) That is true in your case too.
17 It may be, though, that you are a young person who is being raised in the truth. You might feel that you simply are being carried or towed along. Nevertheless, the Bible says: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (Jas. 4:8; 1 Chron. 28:9) When you take the initiative to draw close to Jehovah, he responds by drawing close to you. Jehovah does not view you as just being part of a group. He draws each individual—including each individual who is being raised in the truth. When such a person takes the initiative to draw close to Jehovah, He responds, as we noted at James 4:8.—Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:13.
March, 2024 – “Keep Following” Jesus After Baptism
2 Jehovah does not bring just anyone into his courtyards. As discussed in the preceding article, he chooses to draw close to those who prove that they want to have a close relationship with him. (Jas. 4:8) When you dedicate yourself to Jehovah and get baptized, you draw closer to Jehovah in a special way. You can be sure that thereafter he will “pour out on you a blessing until there is nothing lacking.”—Mal. 3:10; Jer. 17:7, 8.
6 You will still need to fight “the desire of the flesh” after baptism. (1 John 2:16) After all, you will still be a sinful descendant of Adam. At times, your feelings might be similar to those of the apostle Paul. He wrote: “I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, but I see in my body another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my body.” (Rom.7:22, 23) You may feel discouraged by your sinful tendencies. However, thinking about the promise you made to Jehovah when you dedicated yourself to him will strengthen your resolve to fight against temptation. The reality is that when you face temptations, your dedication vow will simplify your life. How?
7 When you make a dedication to Jehovah, you disown yourself. This means that you say no to personal desires and ambitions that would displease Jehovah. (Matt. 16:24) So when you face a test, you will not need to spend time debating what to do. You will have already shut the door on all options except one—faithfulness to Jehovah. You will remain firmly resolved to please Jehovah. You will in that sense be like Job. Even though he faced extremely difficult trials, he resolutely stated: “I will not renounce my integrity!”—Job 27:5.
8 By reflecting on your prayer of dedication to Jehovah, you will find the strength to resist any temptation. For example, would you start flirting with
another person’s mate? Certainly not! You will have already said no to that. You will thus spare yourself the anguish of having to deal with improper feelings after they have taken root. You will “turn away” from “the path of the wicked.”—Prov. 4:14, 15.
9 What if you are offered employment that will interfere with your regular attendance at Christian meetings? Your reaction is not in doubt. Long before the offer was made, you had already said no to such a job proposal. Thus, you will not need to figure out whether you can make a bad decision succeed. Recalling Jesus’ determination to please his Father, you will quickly and firmly reject anything that you know would displease the God to whom you are dedicated.—Matt. 4:10; John 8:29.
11 Jesus was zealous, and he remained close to Jehovah in prayer. (Luke 6:12) In fact, one of the best ways for you to keep following Jesus after your baptism is to develop a pattern of doing things that will draw you closer to Jehovah. The Bible says: “To the extent we have made progress, let us go on walking orderly in this same course.” (Phil. 3:16) From time to time, you will hear the experiences of brothers and sisters who have reached out to expand their sacred service. Perhaps they attended the School for Kingdom Evangelizers or moved to where there is a greater need. If you can set such a goal, by all means do so. Jehovah’s people are eager to expand their ministry. (Acts 16:9) What, though, if right now you are unable to do that? Do not think that you are inferior to those who can. The Christian race is one of endurance. (Matt. 10:22) Do not underestimate the value of serving Jehovah according to your abilities and circumstances. That is an important way that you can keep following Jesus after baptism.—Ps. 26:1.
12 What if, for a time, you feel that your prayers have become mechanical or that your ministry is in a rut? What if your Bible reading does not seem as rewarding as it did in the past? If such situations develop after your baptism, do not conclude that you have lost Jehovah’s spirit. You are an imperfect human, and your feelings can fluctuate. If your zeal starts to diminish, reflect on the example of the apostle Paul. Although he tried to imitate Jesus, he knew that at times he might not feel
as motivated as at other times. (Read 1 Corinthians 9:16, 17.) He said: “Even if I do it against my will, I still have a stewardship entrusted to me.” In other words, Paul was determined to accomplish his ministry despite how he might feel at the moment.
14 It will also be of help to you if after baptism you examine yourself regularly. (Read 2 Corinthians 13:5.) From time to time, take a close look at your life and habits to see if you are praying daily, reading and studying the Bible, attending meetings, and participating in the ministry. Try to find ways to make these aspects of your worship even more meaningful. For example, ask yourself such questions as: ‘Can I explain basic Bible teachings to others? Are there ways that I can make my ministry more enjoyable? How specific are my prayers, and do they show that I completely rely on Jehovah? Do I regularly attend Christian meetings? How can I improve my concentration and participation at meetings?’
15 You would also do well to examine yourself honestly regarding your weaknesses. A brother named Robert relates an experience that illustrates the point: “When I was about 20 years old, I had a part-time job. One day after work, a coworker invited me to her home. She said we’d be alone and we’d ‘have a good time.’ At first, I gave a few weak excuses, but I finally said no and explained why.” Robert resisted the temptation, and that is commendable. Later, though, he looked back on the incident and saw that he could have handled the situation better. He admits: “I didn’t reject the offer as firmly or as quickly as Joseph resisted Potiphar’s wife. (Gen. 39:7-9) In fact, I was surprised at how difficult it was for me to refuse. This incident helped me to see that I needed to strengthen my friendship with Jehovah.”
March, 2024 – You Can Persevere Despite Disappointments
3 The challenge. Some fellow believers have personality traits that irritate us. Others may let us down or treat us in a thoughtless or unkind way. Those taking the lead can make mistakes. These realities could cause some to doubt that this is God’s organization. Rather than
continue serving God “shoulder to shoulder” with their brothers and sisters, they may stop associating with those who have offended them or even stop going to meetings. (Zeph. 3:9) Is that wise? Consider what we can learn from a Bible character who experienced similar problems.
4 The Bible example. The apostle Paul knew that his Christian brothers and sisters were imperfect. For example, he was misjudged soon after he started to associate with the congregation. (Acts 9:26) Later, some spoke about him behind his back to damage his reputation. (2 Cor. 10:10) Paul saw a responsible brother make a wrong decision that may have stumbled others. (Gal. 2:11, 12) And one of Paul’s close companions, Mark, greatly disappointed him. (Acts 15:37, 38) Paul could have allowed any one of these situations to cause him to refuse to associate with the offenders. Yet, he maintained a positive view of his brothers and sisters and remained active in Jehovah’s service. What helped Paul to persevere?
7 Remember, too, that as the end draws near, we need to remain close to our brothers and sisters. We can expect persecution to intensify. We may even find ourselves in prison for our faith. If that happens, we will need our brothers and sisters more than ever. (Prov. 17:17) Consider what happened to Josep,
a an elder in Spain. He and other brothers were imprisoned together for their neutrality. He says: “In prison, the risk of becoming irritated with a fellow believer was high because we had no privacy. We had to put up with one another and forgive one another freely. This helped us stay united and protected. We were surrounded by inmates who did not serve Jehovah. On one occasion, I was injured and my arm was in a cast, so I was not able to do things for myself. But one of my brothers washed my clothes and cared for me in other practical ways. I experienced sincere love when I needed it most.” What good reasons we have to resolve problems with one another now!
8 The challenge. All marriages have difficulties. The Bible frankly acknowledges that married people will have “tribulation in their flesh.” (1 Cor. 7:28) Why? Because marriage brings two imperfect people together, each with different characteristics, likes, and dislikes. Mates may come from different cultures or backgrounds. They may, in time, display traits that were not noticeable before the wedding. Any of those things can cause friction. Instead of recognizing that each has a part in the problem and therefore should work to resolve it, they may blame their mate. They may even come to see separation or divorce as the solution. But is giving up on the marriage the answer?
b Let us learn from a Bible character who persevered in an extremely difficult marriage.
12 The challenge. We may feel like giving up on ourselves if we commit a serious sin. The Bible acknowledges that
our sins can leave us feeling “broken and crushed.” (Ps. 51:17) One brother named Robert had worked hard for years to qualify as a ministerial servant. However, he committed a serious sin that made him realize that he had betrayed Jehovah. “My conscience came down on me like a ton of bricks,” he says. “Afterward, I felt sick to my stomach. I sobbed and prayed to Jehovah. I remember thinking that God would never again bother to listen to me. Why would he? I had let him down.” If we succumb to sin, we may feel like giving up on ourselves because our crushed heart believes that Jehovah has given up on us. (Ps. 38:4) If you have felt this way, consider a faithful Bible character who persevered in serving Jehovah despite committing a serious sin.
14 Peter was able to persevere in serving Jehovah for several reasons. He did not isolate himself; he went to his spiritual brothers and no doubt was comforted by them. (Luke 24:33) In addition, the resurrected Jesus appeared to Peter, likely to encourage him. (Luke 24:34; 1 Cor. 15:5) Later, instead of rebuking Peter for his failings, Jesus told his friend that he would receive greater responsibilities. (John 21:15-17) Peter knew that he had sinned gravely, but he did not give up on himself. Why? Because
he was convinced that his Master, Jesus, had not given up on him. And Peter’s spiritual brothers continued to support him. What can we learn from Peter’s example?
15 The lesson. Jehovah wants us to be convinced of his love and forgiveness. (Read Psalm 86:5;Romans 8:38, 39.) When we sin, we feel guilty. That is normal and appropriate. However, we must not think that we are unlovable or unforgivable. Instead we should immediately get help. Robert, mentioned earlier, says: “I fell into sin because I relied on my own strength to resist a temptation.” He realized that he had to talk to the elders. He says: “Once I took that step, I immediately felt Jehovah’s loving hand expressed through them. The elders did not give up on me. They helped me to believe that Jehovah had not abandoned me.” We too can be convinced that Jehovah loves us deeply and forgives us if we repent of our sins, seek needed help, and earnestly try not to repeat our mistakes. (1 John 1:8, 9) That conviction prevents us from giving up on ourselves when we stumble or fall.
March, 2024 – Avoid the Darkness—Remain in the Light
9 We too must continue to fight against becoming entangled in “the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness.” (Eph. 5:11) Time and again, experience has shown that the more a person looks at, listens to, or talks about unclean, immoral things, the easier it will be for him to fall into wrongdoing. (Gen. 3:6;Jas. 1:14, 15) In one country, several dozen brothers became “friends” in an online chat group. Many of them started out in their chats talking about spiritual things. In the course of time, however, the chats became unwholesome. They began to revolve around sex. Several of these individuals later admitted that this unclean talk led them to commit sexual immorality.
10 Satan’s world tries to deceive us, to make us believe that what Jehovah calls immoral and unclean is not wrong at all. (2 Pet. 2:19) This is no coincidence! One of the Devil’s long-used tactics is to confuse people so that they are unable to discern what is right and what is wrong. (Isa. 5:20; 2 Cor. 4:4) It is no wonder that many movies, television shows, and websites promote ideas that go against Jehovah’s righteous standards! Satan is trying to deceive us into thinking that unclean practices and lifestyles are not only acceptable but also enjoyable and harmless.—Read Ephesians 5:6.
11 Satan wants us to associate with people who make it harder for us to stick to Jehovah’s standards. Accordingly, Paul urged the Ephesians: “Do not be sharers with them,” that is, with those who practice what is wrong in God’s eyes. (Eph. 5:7) We need to remember that our association is not limited to those we spend time with in person. It includes those we interact with on social media, a danger that the ancient Ephesians were not exposed to. Angela,a who lives in Asia, found out how dangerous social media can be. She admits: “It can be a trap, subtly numbing your senses. I reached the point where it did not bother me to have ‘friends’ who did not respect Bible principles. Eventually, I started to think that it was OK to pursue a lifestyle that displeased Jehovah.” Thankfully, loving elders helped Angela to make needed changes. She says: “I now fill my mind with spiritual things rather than with social media.”
12 We must fight against the world’s thinking that immoral conduct is acceptable. We know better. (Eph. 4:19, 20) We do well to ask ourselves: ‘Do I make it a point to avoid all unnecessary association with workmates, classmates, or others who do not respect Jehovah’s righteous standards? Do I courageously uphold Jehovah’s standards even though some may call me intolerant for doing so?’ As indicated at 2 Timothy 2:20-22, we may also need to be careful when choosing our close associates within the Christian congregation. We bear in mind that some may not help us to remain faithful in our service to Jehovah.
March, 2024 – Avoid the Darkness—Remain in the Light
9 We too must continue to fight against becoming entangled in “the unfruitful works that belong to the darkness.” (Eph. 5:11) Time and again, experience has shown that the more a person looks at, listens to, or talks about unclean, immoral things, the easier it will be for him to fall into wrongdoing. (Gen. 3:6;Jas. 1:14, 15) In one country, several dozen brothers became “friends” in an online chat group. Many of them started out in their chats talking about spiritual things. In the course of time, however, the chats became unwholesome. They began to revolve around sex. Several of these individuals later admitted that this unclean talk led them to commit sexual immorality.
10 Satan’s world tries to deceive us, to make us believe that what Jehovah calls immoral and unclean is not wrong at all. (2 Pet. 2:19) This is no coincidence! One of the Devil’s long-used tactics is to confuse people so that they are unable to discern what is right and what is wrong. (Isa. 5:20; 2 Cor. 4:4) It is no wonder that many movies, television shows, and websites promote ideas that go against Jehovah’s righteous standards! Satan is trying to deceive us into thinking that unclean practices and lifestyles are not only acceptable but also enjoyable and harmless.—Read Ephesians 5:6.
11 Satan wants us to associate with people who make it harder for us to stick to Jehovah’s standards. Accordingly, Paul urged the Ephesians: “Do not be sharers with them,” that is, with those who practice what is wrong in God’s eyes. (Eph. 5:7) We need to remember that our association is not limited to those we spend time with in person. It includes those we interact with on social media, a danger that the ancient Ephesians were not exposed to. Angela,a who lives in Asia, found out how dangerous social media can be. She admits: “It can be a trap, subtly numbing your senses. I reached the point where it did not bother me to have ‘friends’ who did not respect Bible principles. Eventually, I started to think that it was OK to pursue a lifestyle that displeased Jehovah.” Thankfully, loving elders helped Angela to make needed changes. She says: “I now fill my mind with spiritual things rather than with social media.”
12 We must fight against the world’s thinking that immoral conduct is acceptable. We know better. (Eph. 4:19, 20) We do well to ask ourselves: ‘Do I make it a point to avoid all unnecessary association with workmates, classmates, or others who do not respect Jehovah’s righteous standards? Do I courageously uphold Jehovah’s standards even though some may call me intolerant for doing so?’ As indicated at 2 Timothy 2:20-22, we may also need to be careful when choosing our close associates within the Christian congregation. We bear in mind that some may not help us to remain faithful in our service to Jehovah.
March, 2024 – Find Comfort in Jehovah’s Approval
8 We all want to serve Jehovah as fully as possible. However, some feel that they can never do enoughto gain his approval. A sister named Amanda says: “I tend to equate giving Jehovah my best with the constant need to do more. I often expect more of myself than I can give. When I ‘fail,’ I assume that Jehovah is as disappointed with me as I am with myself.”
9 How can we overcome the feeling that we can never do enough to please Jehovah? Remember that Jehovah is not rigid, or inflexible. He never demands more of us than we can reasonably do. He appreciates whatever we do for him as long as we are doing our best. Also, reflect on Bible examples of those who served Jehovah whole-souled. Think of Paul. He exerted himself zealously for years, traveling thousands of miles and establishing many congregations. Yet, when circumstances limited his share in the preaching work, did he lose God’s approval? No. He continued to do what he could, and Jehovah blessed him. (Acts 28:30, 31) Similarly, what we can give to Jehovah may vary at times. But what matters to him is why we do it. Let us now consider some ways that Jehovah expresses his approval of us.
11 Through his actions. Jehovah is eager to help us, such as by providing for our material needs. At times, Jehovah may allow us to suffer hardships, as he did righteous Job. (Job 1:8-11) Trials do not mean that we have lost God’s approval. Rather, they provide us with opportunities to prove the depth of our love for God and our trust in him. (Read James 1:12.) We will experience his loving care and support as he helps us to endure.
12 Consider a brother in Asia named Dmitrii. He lost his job and could not find work for many months. So he decided to increase his share in the ministry, thus showing his trust in Jehovah. Months dragged on, and he still could not find work. Then he experienced health problems to the point that he became bedridden. He began to doubt his worth as a husband and father, and he wondered if he had lost Jehovah’s approval. Then one evening his daughter printed on a sheet of paper the words found at Isaiah 30:15: “Your strength will be in keeping calm and showing trust.” She brought it to his bedside and said, “Daddy, when you feel bad, you can remember this scripture.” Dmitrii realized that, thanks to Jehovah, his family still had adequate food, clothing, and shelter. “What I needed to do,” he says, “was stay calm and continue trusting in my God.” If you are facing a similar trial, you can trust that Jehovah cares about you and will help you to endure.
13 Through fellow worshippers. Jehovah uses our brothers and sisters to express his approval of us. For example, he may move others to speak encouraging words at the right time. A sister in Asia experienced this during a time of great stress. She had lost her job and had become seriously ill. Then her husband committed a serious sin and was removed as an elder. “I could not figure out why this was happening,” she said. “I thought that perhaps I had done something wrong and had lost Jehovah’s approval.” Our sister begged Jehovah to reassure her of his approval. How did he do so? She notes, “The congregation elders talked with me and reassured me of Jehovah’s love.” Later she again asked Jehovah for help. “That same day I received a letter from a group of brothers and sisters in the congregation,” she says. “As I read their comforting words, I felt that Jehovah had heard me.” Yes, Jehovah often expresses his approval through the kind words of others.—Ps. 10:17.
15 Jehovah gives his holy spirit to those whom he approves of. (Matt. 12:18) We can ask ourselves, ‘Have I been able to display some aspect of the fruitage of God’s spirit in my life?’ Do you notice that you are more patient with others than you were before you came to know Jehovah? Actually, the more you learn to display the fruitage of God’s spirit, the more evident it will be to you that you have Jehovah’s approval!—See the box “ The Fruitage of the Spirit Is . . .”
