Meditate on Jehovah's Enduring Love

VALUED GOD'S INSPIRED WORD

God has shown great love in giving us his inspired Word. It reveals what we need to know about him and his dealings with  mankind. For instance, the Scriptures tell us how he dealt with the Israelites, who frequently disobeyed him. Psalm 78:38 states: "He was merciful; he would forgive their error and not bring them to ruin. He often held back his anger instead  of stirring up all his wrath."  Reflecting on that verse may help you to appreciate  in a  very personal way that Jehovah loves and cares for you.  Be assured that you do matter to Jehovah. -Read 1 Peter 5:6, 7. 

We should value the Bible highly because God communicates with us primarily by means of it. Meaningful and compassionate communication between parents and  their children is essential to building a mutual trust  and developing a feeling of being loved.   What can we expect of Jehovah?  Although we have never seen him or heard his voice, he "speaks" to us through his inspired Word, and we need to listen. (Isaiah 30:21, 21) Jehovah desires to guide us, his dedicated people and to protect us from harm. He also wants us to know him and to put our trust in him. -Read Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 1:33. 

Jehovah wants us to know him as someone who loves us and looks beyond our imperfection.   He searches for the good in us.  (2 Chronicles 16:9)  For instance, he did so in the case of King Jehoshaphat of Judah. On one occasion, Jehoshaphat unwisely agreed to accompany King Ahab of Israel in a military venture to recover Ramoth - Gilead from the Syrians. Although 400 false prophets assured wicked Ahab of success, Jehovah's true prophet Micaiah foretold certain defeat. Ahab died in battle, and Jehoshaphat barely escaped with his life. Upon returning to Jerusalem, he was reproved for allying himself with Ahab. Even so, Jehu, the son of Hanani the visionary, told Jehoshaphat:  "There are good things that have been found in you." -2 Chronicles 18:4, 5, 18-22, 33, 34; 19:1-3. 

Early in his reign, Jehoshaphat had directed that princes, Levites, and priests travel through all the cities of Judah to teach his subjects Jehovah's Law.  The campaign was so effective that people of the surrounding nations began to fear Jehovah. (2 Chronicles 17:3-10) Yes, Jehoshaphat committed a foolish  act, but Jehovah was not blind to the good things he had done.  This Bible account provides a reminder that despite our human imperfection, Jehovah will have enduring love for us if we wholeheartedly seek to please him. 

Next time: Meditate on Jehovah's Enduring Love -APPRECIATE THE PRIVILEGE OF PRAYER

From the Watchtower magazine