PJ54
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Friday, April 19 2024I will listen to you.—Jer. 29:12.
As we read about how Jehovah cared for those who were loyal to him in the past, our hope will grow ever stronger. Everything in God’s Word was “written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.” (Rom. 15:4) Meditate on how Jehovah has kept his promises. Consider what God did for Abraham and Sarah. They reached the age when they could not have children. Yet, God promised them that they would have a child. (Gen. 18:10) How did Abraham react? The Bible says: “He had faith that he would become the father of many nations.” (Rom. 4:18) Even though from a human perspective the situation appeared hopeless, Abraham was confident that Jehovah would fulfill His promise. That faithful man was not disappointed. (Rom. 4:19-21) Such accounts teach us that we can always rely on Jehovah to fulfill his promises. w22.10 27 ¶13-14
Examining the Scriptures Daily—2024
What hope is there for those struggling with depression?
from august, 2004 I've been fighting with depression and anxiety for numerous years. It's made it difficult to attend meetings and...
questions-4jehovahs-witnesses.blogspot.com
What hope is there for those struggling with depression?
from august, 2004 I've been fighting with depression and anxiety for numerous years. It's made it difficult to attend meetings and conventions. I am being told that if I do not attend meetings, make progress, become a faithful and baptized witness that I will not survive the end of the world and get into paradise. Is this true and where in the Bible is it stated? And, then, how should we teach pioneers or publishers to help depressed ones who are struggling? Thank you |
Dear Friend, the brothers and sisters who have been studying with you undoubtedly mean well. No doubt they are sincerely concerned about your spiritual welfare and eternal life. But, sometimes Jehovah’s Witnesses make certain blanket statements that are ill-advised—a sort of one-size-fits-all approach to salvation. Certainly, though, it is God’s Will for everyone to take in accurate knowledge of him and his Son. It is Jehovah’s Will that we get baptized. And it is Jehovah’s Will that we meet together with fellow Christians. But, Jehovah also understands our limitations and individual circumstances. For example, how reasonable is it to expect a person with a broken leg to get up and walk normally? Surely, none of us would be so unreasonable. Yet, sometimes we expect people who are crippled by depression to carry on and function normally. Jehovah is not so unreasonable. Paul counseled the Thessalonian Christians to “speak consolingly to the depressed souls.” But, in order for you to be consoled by the Friends in your locale, they must first be aware of your condition. Have you told them of your limitations and asked them for their support and understanding? That might be a first step. At any rate, our real Comforter is God. The 94th Psalm states; “When my disquieting thoughts became many inside of me, your own consolations began to fondle my soul.” Isn’t that a wonderful thought? Jehovah knows what is going on inside our minds and he offers his own consolations through his Word and spirit! “Disquieting thoughts” can make us feel depressed and vice-versa: depression generates disquieting thoughts. And certainly, the suggestion that God is going to destroy us because we are not measuring up only adds to the burden. But, Jehovah is able to impart hope, faith and comfort to us, so as to dispel disquieting thoughts of hopelessness and despair. Try as best you can to draw close to God and do what you can to do his Will and leave the rest in God’s capable hands. That’s all any of us are expected to do. |