HAVE YOU MADE THE TRUTH YOUR OWN?

What if Doubts Linger?

What if we do find ourselves in a tunnel of doubts? What should we do then? Wise King Solomon provides the answer: "My son, if you will receive my sayings and treasure up my commandments with yourself, so as to pay attention to wisdom with your ear, that you may incline your heart to discernment; if, moreover, you call out for understanding itself and you give forth your voice for discernment itself, it you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God." -Proverbs 2:1-5.

Is that not a staggering thought? If we are willing to pay earnest attention to God's wisdom, we will "find the very knowledge of God." Yes, the knowledge of the Sovereign Lord of the universe is within our reach if we are willing to receive and treasure his sayings. That means turning to Jehovah in prayer and through personal study. The hidden treasure of his Word can help dispel any doubts and help us see the light of truth.

A clear example of how prayer helped a fearful and doubting servant of God is found at 2 Kings 6:11-18. Elisha's attendant lacked spiritual perception. He could not perceive that heavenly hosts were there to support God's prophet, who was under siege by the Syrian army. In fear the attendant cried out: "Alas, my master! What shall we do?" How did Elisha respond? "Do not be afraid, for there are more who are with us than those who are with them." But how was the attendant to be convinced? He could not see the heavenly hosts.

"Elisha began to pray and say: 'O Jehovah, open his eyes, please, that he may see. Immediately Jehovah opened the attendant's eyes, so that he saw; and look! the mountainous region was full of horses and war chariots of fire all around Elisha." In that case Jehovah caused the attendant to see the heavenly armies that were protecting Elisha. We should not expect the same kind of divine help today, however. Remember, that attendant of the prophet did not have the complete Bible to study in order to strengthen his faith. We do have the Bible. If we put it to good use, our faith can similarly be strengthened. For example, we might ponder the several accounts that describe Jehovah in his heavenly court. These leave no room for doubt that Jehovah does have a heavenly organization supporting his servants in the worldwide educational work today. -Isaiah 6:1-4; Ezekiel 1:4-28; Daniel 7:9, 10; Revelation 4:1-11; 14:6, 7.

Next time: Beware of Satan's Machinations

Watchtower, 2001