"DESIRABLE THINGS" ARE FILLING JEHOVAH'S HOUSE

"Do Not Be Afraid"

Are you having a share in the vital Kingdom-preaching and disciple making work? If so, you are truly privileged. Indeed, it is through this work that "desirable things' are being drawn by Jehovah into his house. (John 6:44) True, you may occasionally be a bit tired or discouraged at times, some-even among faithful servants of Jehovah-struggle with feelings of worthlessness. But take heart! Jehovah views each one of his worshipers as desirable, and he has a keen interest in your salvation. -2 Peter 3:9.

When we feel discouraged, whether because of opposition or other unpleasant circumstances, Jehovah's words to the repatriated Jews can be a source of strength. At Haggai 2:4-6, we read: " "But now be strong, O Zerubbabel,' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'and be strong, O Joshua the son of Jehozadak the high priest. And be strong, all you people of the land,' is the utterance of Jehovah, 'and work. For I am with you people," is the utterance of Jehovah of armies. 'Remember the thing that I concluded with you people when you came forth from Egypt, and when my spirit was standing in among you. Do not be afraid.' For this is what Jehovah of armies has said, 'Yet once-it is a little while-and I am rocking the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry ground.' " Observe that Jehovah not only exhorts us to be strong but also provides us with the means for gaining strength. How? Note the reassuring words: "I am with you people." How faith-strengthening it is to realize that no matter what obstacles we face, Jehovah is with us! -Romans 8:31.

Jehovah has certainly proved that he is with his people. Indeed, it is just as he stated through the prophet Haggai: "Greater will the glory of this later house become than that of the former . . .And in this place I shall give peace." (Haggai 2:9) Truly, the greatest glory today is to be found in Jehovah's spiritual temple. Why, hundreds of thousands flock to true worship each year. These are being well fed spiritually, and even in this turbulent world, they enjoy a peace that will be surpassed only by t hat experienced in God's new world. Isaiah 9:6, 7; Luke 12:42.

Jehovah's rocking of the nations of Armageddon is just ahead. (Revelation 16:14, 16) Let us therefore use the remaining time to help save more lives. May we be strong and have complete trust in Jehovah. Let it be our determination to continue worshiping at his great spiritual temple, filling it with still more "desirable things" until Jehovah says that our work has been completed.

Next time:How Do You View Yourself?

Watchtower, 2000