“The eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him” (PSA. 33:18).
1. Why did Jesus ask Jehovah to protect his followers?
THE NIGHT before he died, Jesus asked his heavenly Father for something very special: to protect his followers (John 17:15, 20). Of course, Jehovah has always protected and cared for his servants. But Jesus knew that Satan would attack his disciples more cruelly than ever and that they would therefore need Jehovah's help.
2. According to Psalm 33:18-20, why shouldn't problems frighten us?
2 Satan's world puts a lot of pressure on true Christians. Problems can rob us of strength and even test our loyalty. As we will see in this article, there is no reason to be afraid. Jehovah is watching over us , that is, he sees everything we are going through and he is always ready to help us. We will look at two Bible accounts that show that “the eyes of the Lord are on those who fear him” (read Psalm 33:18-20).
WHEN WE FEEL ALONE
3. In what situations might we feel alone?
3 Although we are part of a large spiritual family, we may sometimes feel alone. For example, young people may feel alone when they have to explain their beliefs in front of all their classmates or when they change congregations . Perhaps some of us feel sad or are struggling with negative feelings , and think that we have no choice but to face this situation alone. We may not dare to vent to others for fear that they will not understand us. And at some point we might think that no one cares about us. In any case, loneliness can make us feel helpless and distressed.But Jehovah does not want us to feel that way. Why do we say it?
4. Why did the prophet Elijah say “I am the only one left”?
4 Let's look at the example of the prophet Elijah. This faithful man was on the run for his life for over 40 days because Jezebel had sworn to kill him (1 Kings 19:1-9). He ended up alone in a cave, where he told Jehovah, “I am the only one left” (1 Kings 19:10). He thought he was the only prophet left in the country , but he wasn't. Obadiah had managed to deliver 100 prophets from the murderous hands of Jezebel (1 Kings 18:7, 13). So why did Elijah feel so alone? He may have thought that they had killed all the prophets that Obadiah had saved. Or maybe he was lonely because no one took Jehovah's side after what happened to the prophets of Baal on Mount Carmel. Another possibility is that he thought no one knew how dangerous his situation was or that no one cared about him. The Bible doesn't give us all the details, but what we do know is that Jehovah understood why Elijah felt lonely and knew exactly how to help him.
5. What did Jehovah do to assure Elijah that he was not alone?
5 Jehovah did several things to help Elijah. For example, he encouraged him to express himself . Twice he asked him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" (1 Kings 19:9, 13). And both times Jehovah listened carefully to everything Elijah said to him. He then responded by showing her that he was there and that he is a very powerful God. He also assured her that there were still many in Israel who supported pure worship (1 Kings 19:11, 12, 18). Elijah must have felt a great deal of relief after he unburdened himself to Jehovah and heard his response.In addition, Jehovah gave him several important missions: he had to anoint Hazael as king of Syria, Jehu as king of Israel, and Elisha as prophet (1 Kings 19:15, 16). By giving him these missions, Jehovah helped him focus on positive things and also gave him a good companion, Elisha. What can we do if we feel alone and need Jehovah's help?
6. What can we say to Jehovah when we feel lonely? (Psalm 62:8).
6 Jehovah encourages us to express ourselves through prayer. He sees how we feel and assures us that we can pray to him at any time and that he will hear us (1 Thess. 5:17). For him, listening to his servants is a pleasure (Prov. 15: 8). What can we say to Jehovah when we feel alone? We can unburden ourselves to him, as Elijah did (read Psalm 62:8). Let's tell him what he worries us and how we feel. Let us ask him to help us see what we have to do. For example, if you are young, what might you do if you feel lonely and afraid to talk about Jehovah at school? You could ask him to give you courage and wisdom to explain your beliefs respectfully. (Luke 21:14, 15). And what could you do if you are struggling with negative feelings? Ask Jehovah to help you talk to a mature Christian and help him understand how you feel. We can keep feelings of loneliness at bay if we unburden ourselves to Jehovah, are attentive to how he answers our prayers, and accept help from others.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. Elijah prays with all his might inside a cave. 2. A brother prays with all his might in his bedroom.
When we feel alone, how can we find comfort in remembering what Jehovah did for Elijah? (See paragraphs 5 and 6).
7. What do you learn from Mauricio's example?
7 Jehovah gives us all very important tasks. He sees and values everything we do in the congregation and in the preaching (Ps. 110:3). Being busy serving Jehovah helps us fight against loneliness. Why? Let's look at the case of a young man named Mauricio. * Not long after Mauricio was baptized, one of his best friends slowly drifted away from Jehovah. He relates: “Seeing my friend drift away from the truth made me doubt myself, wondering if I could live up to my dedication and remain a part of Jehovah's family. I felt alone and thought that no one could understand me.” What helped you keep going? He says, “ Preaching more helped me not think about myself so much and dwell on my negative feelings.When I preached with other brothers, I was happy and I no longer felt so alone.” This is so even when we cannot preach with our brothers in person. Spending time with them preaching by letter or telephone also gives us strength. What else helped Mauricio? He remembers what he did: “ I got to work more in the congregation . I tried hard to prepare and present my assignments well. Thanks to them I was able to feel the affection of Jehovah and of the brothers.”
ILLUSTRATION
The brother in the first image happily preaches by letter with other brothers and sisters who are connected with him by videoconference.
Do we strive to spend more time preaching with other brothers? (See paragraph 7).
WHEN DIFFICULT TRIALS ANGUISH US
8. How might we feel when we go through difficult trials?
8 We all know that we will have problems in the last days (2 Tim. 3:1). But we may be taken by surprise by the type of problem or the moment in which it reaches us. It could be an unexpected financial problem, a terrible medical diagnosis, or the death of a loved one. At such times we may feel anxious and overwhelmed , especially if it seems to us that the problems are coming to us one after another or even several at once. But let us remember that Jehovah is watching over us and that with his help we can face any trial that comes our way.
9. What were some of the tests that Job faced?
9 Let's look at the case of Job. In a very short time, this faithful man went through several terrible trials. In a single day, he found out that he had violently lost all his livestock, his servants and, what is worse, his beloved children (Job 1: 13-19). Shortly thereafter, while he was still absorbing his immense misfortune, he was attacked by a very painful disease that left him unrecognizable (Job 2:7). His situation was so bitter that he even said: "I feel sick of my life, I don't want to continue living" (Job 7:16).
10. What did Jehovah do to help Job endure his trials? (See cover drawing.)
10 Jehovah was very aware of everything that was happening to Job. And, because he loved him, he gave him everything he needed to endure trials and remain faithful. Jehovah himself communicated with Job and told him about his immense wisdom and the affection with which he cares for the beings he has created. He mentioned many impressive animals (Job 38:1, 2; 39:9, 13, 19, 27; 40:15; 41:1, 2). On the other hand, Jehovah sent Elihu to encourage and comfort Job. This faithful young man reminded him that God always rewards those who serve him with endurance. But Jehovah also wanted Elihu to give him some advice . Lovingly , Elihu helped Job see the big picture , as he reminded him that human beings are very small compared to Jehovah., the Creator of the universe (Job 37:14). Jehovah also gave Job a task: to pray for his three friends who had sinned (Job 42:8-10). And how does Jehovah help us today when we go through difficult trials?
ILLUSTRATION
Job reflects on some impressive animals that Jehovah has created, such as the hippopotamus, the stork, the ostrich, the crocodile, the eagle, the horse, and the wild bull. A storm is hitting the place. Near Job sit Elihu and the three false friends.
Jehovah tells Job how well he cares for the beings he has created. This confirms that he cares for his servants with affection. (See paragraph 10).
11. How does the Bible comfort us when we go through trials?
11 Jehovah does not communicate directly with us, as he did in the case of Job. But he speaks to us through his Word, the Bible (Rom. 15:4). He comforts us by giving us hope for the future. Let's look at a few biblical ideas that comfort us when we have problems. In the Scriptures, Jehovah confirms that nothing—even the most difficult trials—“will be able to separate us from the love of God.”—Rom. 8:38, 39. He also promises us that he "is near to all who call on him," meaning that he hears his prayers (Ps. 145:18). Jehovah tells us that if we trust in him, we can endure any trial and even be happy when we suffer(1 Cor. 10:13; Jas. 1:2, 12). Furthermore, God's Word reminds us that our trials are temporary and short when compared to eternal life, the reward that Jehovah offers us (2 Cor. 4:16-18). Jehovah guarantees us that he will eliminate the root of all our problems: Satan and all who are like him (Ps. 37:10). Have you memorized verses that will encourage you in future trials?
12. What must we do to make the most of the help that Jehovah gives us through his Word?
12 To make the most of the help that Jehovah gives us through his Word, he expects us to be in the habit of studying the Bible and reflecting on what we read. If we put into practice what we learn, our faith and our friendship with him will grow stronger . And that will give us strength to endure. On the other hand, if we trust in his Word, Jehovah will give us his holy spirit. With that spirit, we will have “power beyond the ordinary” to endure whatever tests come our way (2 Cor. 4:7-10).
13. How does the spiritual food we receive through “the faithful and wise slave” help us to endure?
13 With Jehovah's support, “the faithful and wise slave” gives us scores of articles, videos, and songs that help us have strong faith and be spiritually vigilant.— Matt. 24:45. We have to make the most of all these spiritual gifts that come at the right time. Recently, a sister from the United States expressed her appreciation for all this spiritual nourishment. She said: “In the 40 years that I have served Jehovah, my integrity has been tested again and again.” This sister has been through very difficult situations. Her grandfather was killed by a drunk driver, her parents died of serious illnesses, and she herself has had cancer twice. What helped her endure? She explains: “Jehovah has always taken care of me.The spiritual food that he gives us through the faithful and wise slave has helped me endure. Thanks to that, I can say the same as Job: 'Until he dies I will not give up my integrity!'” (Job 27:5).
14. How does Jehovah use our brothers to support us when we experience difficulties? (1 Thessalonians 4:9).
14 Jehovah has taught his servants to love and comfort one another in times of distress.— 2 Cor. 1:3, 4; read 1 Thessalonians 4:9. Our brothers and sisters are like Elihu, wanting to help us be faithful when we go through difficulties (Acts 14:22).A sister named Diane saw it firsthand. When her husband became seriously ill, the congregation encouraged her and helped her stay spiritually strong. She relates: “Those were some very hard months, but during all that time we felt in the strong and loving arms of Jehovah. The congregation supported us a lot, they gave us everything we needed to get ahead: visits, calls, hugs… And, since I don't know how to drive, they organized everything so that I could go to the meetings and preach, whenever I could”. Isn't it wonderful to be part of a spiritual family that treats us with so much love?
ILLUSTRATION
A mother and her little daughter visit an older couple and bring them a card that the girl has made for them. The brother uses an oxygen tank to help him breathe.
What can we do to help the brothers in the congregation? (See paragraph 14).
WE THANK JEHOVAH FOR CARING FOR US
15. Why are we convinced that we can face difficulties?
15 We will all face some test. But, as we have seen, we will never have to do it alone. Like a loving father, Jehovah is always looking out for us. He is by our side, ready to hear us when we beg him to help us and to give us his support (Is. 43: 2). We are convinced that we can face difficulties because Jehovah gives us in abundance everything we need to endure: prayer, the Bible, abundant spiritual food and a brotherhood that treats us with love.
16. What must we do so that Jehovah continues to care for us?
16 We are so thankful that we have a heavenly Father who is attentive to us. “He is the joy of our hearts” (Ps. 33:21). How can we show Jehovah that we appreciate his loving care of us? Making the most of all the help he gives us. For Jehovah to continue to care for us, we also have to do our part. We should always strive to obey him and do what he thinks is right. If we do, he will watch over us for all eternity (1 Pet. 3:12).
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
How does Jehovah help us when we feel lonely?
In paragraph number 5, wines like Jehovah helped Elijah, for example, encouraged him to express himself on two occasions and Jehovah listened carefully to everything Elijah told him and then answered him, showing him that he was there and also that he is a very powerful God. In the same way we currently have a way to communicate with him which is through prayer and that way he can see how we feel and like Elijah he listens to us and answers our prayers.
How does Jehovah help us when difficult trials distress us?
Jehovah used Elihu to encourage Job, that is why in the text of Job 37:14, we see that he helped him see the full picture of the problem, because he reminded him that human beings are very small compared to Jehovah the creator of the whole universe. In our times Jehovah is not going to tell us what we have to do directly, but he uses the Bible to encourage us, he comforts us by giving us hope for the future, remembering our hope encourages us to follow the path that leads to life.
Why are we grateful that Jehovah cares for us lovingly?
We are grateful that he gives us by the hand everything we need to endure, for example prayer, the Bible, abundant spiritual food and also a brotherhood that treats us with much love.
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