DAILY TEXT, Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Jehovah will strengthen his people. Jehovah will bless his people with peace. (Ps. 29:11)

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Tuesday, August 19, 2025

Jehovah will give strength to his people. Jehovah will bless his people with peace (Ps. 29:11).

When we pray, let us ask ourselves if Jehovah will consider that this is the right time to grant us what we ask for. We may think we need an immediate answer to our prayers. But in reality, Jehovah knows the best time to help us. (Heb. 4:16)

If Jehovah doesn't immediately grant our request, we may think his answer is "No." But perhaps his answer is "Not yet." For example, let's say a young brother prays to stop being sick, but his health doesn't improve. If Jehovah miraculously heals him, Satan might reproach him for continuing to serve him only because he was healed. (Job 1:9-11; 2:4)

On the other hand, Jehovah has already set the time to end all sickness (Isa. 33:24; Rev. 21:3, 4). So for now, we do not expect Jehovah to perform miraculous healings. What, then, could this young man ask of Jehovah? That he be given the strength and peace of mind he needs to continue serving him faithfully despite his illness. w23:11 23 par. 13.

What does Janice's example teach you?

14 Remember Janice, the sister who prayed to serve at Bethel? It took her five years to understand what Jehovah had done to answer her prayer. She says: “During that time, Jehovah trained me and helped me hone my qualities. For example, I needed to trust Jehovah more, improve my study habits, and learn that happiness doesn’t depend on circumstances.”

Later, Janice and her husband were invited to the circuit service. She recalls: “Jehovah did indeed answer my prayers, but not as I expected. It took me a long time to see that His answer was precious. I am so grateful that He gave me this opportunity to experience His love and goodness.”

Why is it sometimes good for our prayers to be less specific? (See also the images.)

The third question is, "Is my request too specific?" While it's good to be specific in our prayers, sometimes it's better not to be so specific, so we can perceive Jehovah's will for us.

Consider the single sister who prayed to attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers. She wants to go there to serve where the greatest need is. Even if she continues to pray about this matter, what more could she ask Jehovah? That he would help her find other ways to expand her ministry. (Acts 16:9, 10)

After praying, you could do your part by asking the circuit overseer if pioneers are needed in any nearby congregations. You could also write to a branch office to find out where more help is needed in preaching.

What can we be convinced of?

As we have learned, we can be confident that Jehovah will answer our prayers with love and justice. (Ps. 4:3; Isa. 30:18) Sometimes his answer may not be what we expect, but he will never ignore our prayers. He loves us very much and will never abandon us. (Ps. 9:10) So let us continue to trust in Jehovah “all the time” and pour out our hearts to him in our prayers. (Ps. 62:8)

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