Conclusion of Simplifying Leads to Joy

Another way to reduce pressure is to think carefully before making decisions.  For example, one Christian decided to build a house.  He chose a very complicated design, although he had never built a house before.  He now realizes that he could have avoided unnecessary problems if he had 'considered his steps' before choosing the design for his home.  (Proverbs 14:15) Another Christian agreed to back a loan for a fellow believer. According to the agreement, if the borrower was unable to repay the loan, the one backing it would be obliged to do so. At first, all went well, but in time the borrower began to renege.  The lender became alarmed and demanded that the backer repay the entire loan.  That put great pressure on the backer.  Could it have been avoided if he had given more careful consideration to all factors before he agreed to assume responsibility for the debt? -Proverbs 17:18.

When we get tired, let us never concludde that we can reduce the pressure  onus and regain  our joy by cutting back on personal Bible study, field service, and meeting attentdance.  Why, these are vital ways in which we can receive Jehovah's holy spirit, a product of which is joy. (Galatians 5:22) Christian activities are always refreshing and usually not excessively tiring.  (Matthew 11:28-30)  It is far more likely that secular or recreational activities, not spiritual ones, are contributing to our fatique. Learning to go to bed at a reasonable hour may help put us back on track.  A  little extra rest can go a long way.  N.H.Knorr, who served as a member of the Governing Body of  Jehpovah's Witnesses unti his death, used to tell missionaries:  "When you get discourage, the first thing to do is to get some rest./  You will be surprised how much better almost any problem seems after you have had a good night's sleep.

Christians are privileged  to serve "the happy God."  (1 Timothy 1:11) As we have seen, we can maintain our joy even when we are beset by serious problems.  Let us keep the Kingdom hope before us, adjust our viewpoint when  necessary, and keep our life simple.  Then, whatever situation we find ourselves in, we will respond  to the apostle Paul's  words:  "Always rejoice  in the Lord.  Once more I will say, Rejoce!" -Philippians 4:4.

Next time: God's Name Cleared of Reproach

The Watchtower, 2001