Watchtower Study, Week of June 16-22, 2025, Drawing Close to God Is Good for Us, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, June 16-22, 2025, Drawing Closer to God Is Good for Us, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“For me, drawing near to God is good for me” (Ps. 73:28).

1, 2. a) What does it take to have a good friend? b) What will we cover in this article?

THINK about a good friend you have. Do you remember what they did to build such a strong friendship? You probably spent a lot of time with him, discovered his experiences, and learned what he liked and disliked. You also saw that he had such beautiful qualities that you wanted to copy them. And over time he came to love him very much.

2 Having a friendship like this takes time and effort, and the same goes for our friendship with God. In this article, we will look at how we can grow ever closer to Jehovah, our best friend. But first we'll talk about why it's good to do so.

3. Why should we meditate on the benefits of drawing close to Jehovah? Give an example.

3 It's important for us to meditate on all the reasons we have to draw close to Jehovah (Ps. 63:6-8). Why? Let's give an example to help us understand. People know that it's good to eat healthy, drink enough water, exercise, and get enough rest. Yet, many people ignore these things and neglect their health. But someone is more likely to maintain these healthy habits if they often stop to think about the benefits of living a healthy life. Similarly, we know that drawing close to Jehovah is good for us. But meditating on all the benefits of doing so will encourage us to draw ever closer to him. (Ps. 119:27-30).

4. What did the psalmist express in Psalm 73:28?

4 (Read Psalm 73:28). The writer of Psalm 73 belonged to the tribe of Levi and was a musician in the temple. He had probably served Jehovah faithfully for many years, but he realized that it was important to remember that drawing close to God was good for him. And I wanted others to see how good it is to have Jehovah’s friendship. Let's now look at some of the benefits.

GETTING CLOSER TO GOD MAKES US HAPPY

5. (a) Why does drawing near to Jehovah make us happy? (b) In what ways does Jehovah’s wisdom help and protect you? (Proverbs 2:6–16)

5 The closer we are to Jehovah, the happier we will be (Ps. 65:4). Why do we say that? For many reasons. For example, when we follow the wise advice He gives us in His Word, we do well. His wisdom protects us from bad influences and helps us avoid making serious mistakes. (it’s Proverbs 2:6-16). No wonder the Bible says, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who acquires discernment.” (Prov. 3:13).

6. Why did the psalmist lose his joy?

6 But that doesn't mean Jehovah's friends will never be sad. In fact, the writer of Psalm 73 lost his joy when he began to think about things that seemed unjust to him. He was very frustrated because he had gotten it into his head that those who don't respect God or his rules have an easier life, and he even became envious of them. I was convinced that evil, violent, and arrogant people are always richer, healthier, and never suffer; but that's not the case. (Ps. 73:3-7, 12). He was so bitter that he began to wonder if everything he did to serve Jehovah had any value. He felt so sad that he said, “It is clear that it was not worth it to keep my heart pure or to wash my hands in innocence.” (Ps. 73:13).

7. How can we regain joy when we go through a period of sadness? (See also the image.)

7 The psalmist didn't just sit idly by; he did something to overcome that sadness. He entered "the magnificent sanctuary of God," and there Jehovah corrected his way of thinking. (Ps. 73:17-19). Since Jehovah is our best friend, he knows when we are sad. We need to ask him for guidance and then accept the help he gives us through his Word and the congregation. This way, we will have the strength to continue despite our sadness. Even when we feel overwhelmed by worries, Jehovah will comfort and reassure us. (Ps. 94:19).

ILLUSTRATION

A Levite, standing between the copper altar and the temple porch.

The Levite who wrote Psalm 73, “in the magnificent sanctuary of God.” (See paragraph 7.)

Getting closer to God gives us a full life and hope.

8. In what other ways does drawing closer to God benefit us?

8 Drawing close to God benefits us in two other very important ways. First, it gives us a full life, that is, it gives meaning to our existence. And second, it gives us firm hope for the future (Jer. 29:11). Let's analyze these benefits one by one.

9. Why does drawing close to Jehovah give meaning to our lives?

9 Drawing close to Jehovah gives meaning to our lives.Today, many people claim that God doesn't exist. Because of this, some people don't understand the meaning of life and believe that humanity will eventually become extinct. But, thanks to what we have learned in the Word of God, we are convinced “that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.” (Heb. 11:6). Our heavenly Father, Jehovah, created us with the need to worship him. Therefore, because we serve him, we live full and happy lives. (Deut. 10:12, 13).

10. According to Psalm 37:29, What future awaits those who trust in Jehovah?

10 Many people don't have real hope. Their lives consist of going to work, raising their children, and saving for retirement. God isn't part of their plans. But Jehovah's servants put their hope in him (Ps. 25:3-5; 1 Tim. 6:17). We trust in our God and friend, and we know that he will keep all his promises. Many wonderful things await us in the future, including worshiping Jehovah forever in Paradise. (it’s Psalm 37:29).

11. How does it benefit us to draw closer to God, and how does he feel when we do so?

11 Drawing near to God is good for us for many other reasons. For example, Jehovah promises to forgive our sins if we repent (Isa. 1:18). This means we don't have to live with the burden of a guilty conscience about past mistakes. (Ps. 32:1-5) Furthermore, we make Jehovah's heart glad, and that fills us with satisfaction. (Prov. 23:15) Surely being Jehovah's friend has brought you many other blessings. Now, what can we do to draw ever closer to him?

WHAT TO DO TO GET CLOSER TO GOD

12. What should you do to get closer to God?

12 If you are a baptized Jehovah's Witness, it means that you have already learned many things about him and Jesus Christ, have repented of your sins, have shown faith in God, and have striven to obey his standards. So it can be said that he is very close to Jehovah. Now, these are things we must continue to do to draw ever closer to God (Col. 2:6).

13. What three things will help us draw ever closer to Jehovah?

13 What will help us draw ever closer to Jehovah? 1) We must continue reading and studying the Bible. And we don't want to be content with learning just the basics about God. We also try to understand what His will is for us and to live according to the principles we find in His Word. (Eph. 5:15-17) .2) We must strengthen our faith by meditating on all the evidence of Jehovah's love for us. 3) We must continue to hate things that offend Jehovah and not befriend people who practice them. (Ps. 1:1; 101:3).

14. What can we do in our daily lives to please Jehovah? (1 Corinthians 10:31; see also the pictures.)

14 (Read 1 Corinthians 10:31). It is extremely important that we strive to do things that we know will make Jehovah happy. It's much more than going to preaching or meetings. Everything we do every day should please Jehovah. For example, we know that he loves us to be honest in all things and to share generously what we have. (2 Cor. 8:21; 9:7). He also expects us to show that we value the life he has given us. Therefore, we get closer to it when we eat and drink in moderation and look for other reasonable ways to take care of our health. Every effort we make to please Jehovah, even in seemingly small things, contributes to earning his affection. (Luc. 16:10).

ILLUSTRATION

Pictures of things we can do to please Jehovah. 1. Drive safely: A brother driving a car stops at a red light. 2. Take care of our bodies: A brother walks briskly through a park. 3. Eat healthy food: A plate with several healthy foods. 4. Be generous: A sister brings flowers and food to an older sister whose arm is immobilized.

Driving safely, taking care of your health with exercise and healthy eating, and being generous with others are some ways to please Jehovah. (See paragraph 14.)

15. How does Jehovah expect us to treat others?

15 Jehovah deals kindly with both the righteous and the unrighteous (Matt. 5:45). And he expects us to do the same with others. For example, he wants his servants to “speak ill of no one,” to “be non-confrontational,” and to “always be gentle with everyone.” (Tito 3:2). That's why we don't think we are superior to those who don't share our beliefs. (2 Tim. 2:23-25). If we always treat others with kindness, we will draw closer to Jehovah.

WHEN WE ARE WEAK WE CAN ALSO GET CLOSER TO GOD

16. How did the writer of Psalm 73 feel at a certain point in his life?

16 What if at some point in our lives we feel that Jehovah is no longer so close to us? Consider what happened to the writer of Psalm 73. He lamented with these words: “My feet had almost strayed, they were about to slip.” (Ps. 73:2). He admitted that he “was bitter,” that he “was unreasonable,” and that before Jehovah he “was like an unreasonable animal.” (Ps. 73:21, 22) Did you ever think that because of your imperfection and weaknesses you were a lost cause and unworthy of Jehovah’s love?

17. a) What did the psalmist appear to have done when he hit rock bottom? b) What can we learn from what happened to him? (See also the images.)

17 If the psalmist thought that Jehovah had rejected him, that feeling did not last long. It seems that when he hit rock bottom, he realized that he had to get closer to Jehovah. We know this because he told him: “But now I am always with you; you hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will bring me to glory” (Ps. 73:23, 24). In moments of weakness or discouragement, we too must cling to Jehovah, our Rock, to regain stability. (Ps. 73:26; 94:18). What if for a time our feet stray from the right path? We can return to Jehovah, confident that he is “ready to forgive.” (Ps. 86:5). Especially when we hit rock bottom is when we most need to draw closer to our God. (Ps. 103:13, 14).

ILLUSTRATION

Series of images: 1. A brother who feels discouraged is sitting on a bed. 2. Later, the brother is seen smiling as he arrives at the Kingdom Hall and is greeted by a married couple.

When we are spiritually weak, we should draw closer to Jehovah by devoting more time to our worship. (See paragraph 17.)

LET US DRAW CLOSER TO GOD FOREVER

18. Why is there no limit to our approach to Jehovah?

18 There are no limits to our approach to Jehovah; we will never stop discovering things about him. The Bible says that Jehovah's wisdom, knowledge, and ways are "unsearchable." (Rom. 11:33).

19. What assurance do these Psalms give us?

Psalm 79:13 says, “We, your people and the flock that grazes in your pasture, will give you thanks forever and proclaim your praise throughout all generations.” Rest assured, if you continue to draw close to Jehovah, you will receive blessings for all eternity, and you will be able to say, “God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.” (Ps. 73:26).

WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?

Why should we meditate on the benefits of drawing close to Jehovah?

The closer we are to Jehovah, the happier we will be. When we follow the wise counsel He gives us in His Word, we will do well. His wisdom protects us from evil influences and helps us avoid making serious mistakes.

What are the benefits of drawing closer to God?

Drawing close to God benefits us in two very important ways. First, it gives us a full life, that is, it gives meaning to our existence. And second, it gives us firm hope for the future.

What should we do to get closer to God?

To draw closer to Jehovah, we must follow these three main points:

1. We must continue reading and studying the Bible. And we don't want to be content with learning only the basics about God. We also seek to understand His will for us and live according to the principles we find in His Word.

2. We must strengthen our faith by meditating on all the evidence of Jehovah's love for us.

3. We must continue to hate things that offend Jehovah and not befriend people who practice them.