YOU CAN COPE With Discouragement!

Help Is Available

If you occasionally suffer a mild bout of discouragement, you may find that you will feel better if you get some extra rest or a nourishing meal. Nathan H. Knorr, who served as a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses until his death in 1977, once observed that big problems often appear much smaller after a good night's sleep. When the problem is more persistent, however, such a remedy may not be adequate-you will need to help to battle discouragement.

Jehovah sent an angel to strengthen Elijah. Today, God provides encouragement through the elders and other mature Christians. The elders really can "prove to be like a hiding place from the wind." (Isaiah 32:1, 2) But to get encouragement from them, you may need to take the initiative. As discouraged as Elijah was, he traveled to Mount Horeb to receive instruction from Jehovah. We receive strengthening instruction through the Christians congregation.

When we accept help and courageously face up to tests, such as hurt feelings, or the loss of privileges, we uphold Jehovah's side of an important issue. What issue? Satan contended that humans serve Jehovah only our of self-interest. Satan does not deny that we will serve God when everything in our life is running smoothly, but he contends that we will stop serving God when we run into problems. (Job, chapters 1 and 2) By unwaveringly carrying on in Jehovah's service despite discouragement, we can help give and answer to the Devil's slanderous accusation. -Proverbs 27:11.

Hannah, Mark and Elijah all had problems that briefly robbed them of their joy. However, they coped with their problems and led productive lives. With Jehovah's help, you too can cope with discouragement!

Next time: Our Quest for a Longer Life

Watchtower, 2001