Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2021
Friday, August 6, 2021
I have been bewildered, I have bowed to an extreme degree; I have been sad all day (Ps. 38: 6).
King David had very hard times. Let's see some of them. He was crushed with guilt because of the many mistakes he had made (Ps. 40:12). He had to face the rebellion of his beloved son Absalom, who eventually died as a result of it (2 Sam. 15:13, 14; 18:33). Furthermore, one of his best friends betrayed him (2 Sam. 16: 23-17: 2; Ps. 55: 12-14). Many of the psalms he wrote reflect his discouragement, but they also express his utter trust in Jehovah. --Ps. 38: 5-10; 94: 17-19. Later, a psalmist who was perhaps a descendant of the Levite Asaph and served in "the magnificent sanctuary of God" became very discouraged. He began to envy the lives of the wicked, and that made him feel unhappy and discontent. He even began to doubt the value of the blessings that God's servants receive (Ps. 73: 2-5, 7, 12-14, 16, 17, 21). w19.06 25: 12-13
Why is it reassuring to ponder how Jehovah helped Elijah?
Are we going through a distressing situation? Seeing that Jehovah understood Elijah's feelings encourages us. And it reassures us to know that he also understands our emotional distress. He knows our limitations and even knows what we think and feel (Ps. 103: 14; 139: 3, 4). If we turn to Jehovah as Elijah did, he will help us cope with the difficulties that overwhelm us. --Psalm 55:22.
How will Jehovah help us cope with problems?
Emotional stress can cause us to think negative thoughts and become discouraged. If that happens to us, let us remember that Jehovah will help us. How? He invites us to share our concerns with him and assures us that he will answer our pleas (Ps. 5: 3; 1 Pet. 5: 7). So let's talk to him often about our problems. Although he will not address us directly as he did in the case of Elijah, he will speak to us through his Word and his organization. The stories we read in the Bible will give us comfort and hope. And our brothers will also encourage us (Rom. 15: 4; Heb. 10:24, 25).
How can a trusted friend help us?
Jehovah told Elijah to give Elisha some of his work. Thus, he provided him with a friend who could help him when he was very discouraged. In the same way, if we have a trusted friend, he will help us when we are suffering (2 Kings 2: 2; Prov. 17:17). What if we think we have no one to tell about our problems? So let's ask Jehovah to help us find a mature Christian to encourage us when we need him.
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