HOW YOU CAN DRAW CLOSE TO GOD

COMMUNICATION WITH JEHOVAH NOT ONE-SIDED

If we want God to hear our prayers, we must listen to what he says:  (Zechariah 7:13)  He no  longer sends his messages through divinely inspired prophets and surely does not use spiritualistic means.   (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) But we can listen to God  by studying his Word, the Bible.  (Romans 15:4; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17)  Just as we may need to acquire a taste for physical food that is good for us, we are urged to "form a longing for the unadulterated milk belonging to the word."  Cultivate a taste for spiritual food by reading God's Word daily. -1 Peter 2;2, 3; Acts 17:11. 

Meditate on what you read in the Bible.  (Psalm 1:3; 77:11, 12) That means to ponder  over the material. You might liken this to digesting food. You can digest spiritual food by relating what you are reading to things you already know. Consider how the material  affects you life, or reflect  on what it reveals about Jehovah's qualities and dealings.  Thus through personal study, you  can take the spiritual food that Jehovah provides. This will draw you closer to God and will help you to deal with day-to-day problems. 

You can always draw close to God by listening to his Word discussed at Christian meetings, just as the Israelites listened attentively  when they gathered to hear the public reading of God's Law. The instructors of that time put meaning into their reading of the Law, thus helping their listeners to understand and be moved to apply what they heard.  This led to great joy,  (Nehemiah 8:8, 12)  So make it your customs to attend the meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses.  (Hebrews 10:24, 25)  This will help you to understand and then apply the knowledge of God in your life and will bring you happiness.  Being a part  of the worldwide Christian brotherhood will help you to stay close to Jehovah. And as we shall see, you can find true security among God's people. 

Next time: CHAPTER SEVENTEEN: FIND SECURITY AMONG GOD'S PEOPLE 

From the book: KNOWLEDGE That Leads to Everlasting Life