BENEFITS FROM LOVING GOD'S WORD

Safeguarded From Lasting Harm

in what way is one safeguarded by wisdom gained from studying and applying God's Word? For one thing, he is safeguarded from Satan the Devil. Jesus taught his followers to pray for deliverance from the wicked one, Satan. (Matthew 6:13) Today, the need to include this request in our prayers is truly urgent. Satan and his demons were cast out of heaven following 1914, and consequently Satan has "great anger, knowing he has a short period of time." (Revelation 12:9, 10, 12) At this late date, his anger must be white-hot as he unsuccessfully wages war against those "who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus." -Revelation 12:17.

Satan in his wrath continues to stir up trouble fro these Christian ministers and to foment violent persecution or cause other obstacles to their activity. He also wants to lure Kingdom proclaimers into focusing on such things as worldly prominence, the love of ease, the acquiring of material possessions, and the pursuit of pleasure, rather than on the Kingdom - preaching work . What safeguards God's faithful servants from surrendering to Satan's pressure or being entrapped by his snares? Of course, prayer, a close personal relationship with Jehovah, and faith in the certainty of his promises are vital. But all these are linked to a knowledge of and a determination to heed the reminders of God's Word. These reminders come through reading the Bible and Bible study aids, attending Christian meetings, heeding Scriptural counsel from a fellow believer, or simply by prayerfully meditating on Bible principles that God's spirit recalls to the mind. -Isaiah 30:21; John 14:26; 1 John 2:15-17.

Those who love God's Word are safeguarded in other ways. For example, they avoid the emotional distress and physical diseases that result from such things as drug abuse, the use of tobacco and sexual immorality. (1 Corinthians 5:11: 2 Corinthians 7:1) They do not contribute to strained relationship by gossip or unkind speech, (Ephesians 4:31) Neither do they fall victim to doubt by delving into the deceptive philosophies of the wisdom of the world. ( 1 Corinthians 3:19) By loving God's Word, they are safeguarded from things that could rob them of their relationship with God and the hope of everlasting life. They keep busy helping their neighbors to put faith in the wonderful promises contained in the Bible, knowing that they will thus 'save both themselves and those who listen to them.' - Timothy 4:16.

True, everyone-even those who love God's Word-is subject to "time and unforeseen occurrence." (Ecclesiastes 9:11) it is inevitable that some among us will experience natural disasters, serious sicknesses, accidents, or untimely death. Still, we are safeguarded . No calamity can bring permanent harm to a person who truly loves God's Word. Hence, we should not be overly concerned about what might happen in the future. After we take all reasonable precautions, it is better to leave matters in Jehovah's hands and not allow today's insecurity of life to rob us of peace. (Matthew 6:33, 34; Philippians 4:6, 7) Bear in mind the certainty of the resurrection hope and of a better life when God makes all thing new." -Revelation 21:5; John 11:25.

Next time: Prover Yourself to Be "Good Soil"

Watchtower, 1999