Happy Are Those Who Serve "the Happy God" - HAPPY DESPITE DIFFICULTIES

Jesus next said: "Happy are the peacemakers." (Matthew 5:9)  Those who take  the initiative to make peace have good reason to be happy.  The disciple James wrote:  "The fruit of righteousness is sown in peaceful conditions for those who are making peace."  (James 3:18) When we have a strained relationship with someone either in the congregation or in the family, we can plead for God's help to be peacemakers.  Thus Jehovah's holy spirit, righteous conduct, and happiness can  predominate.  Jesus emphasized the importance of taking the initiative to make peace when he said: "If then, when you are bringing your gift there in front of the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away.  First make your peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift." - Matthew 5:23, 24.

"Happy are you when people approach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake." What did Jesus mean?  He went to say:  "Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecute the prophets prior to you."  (Matthew 5:11, 12)  When the apostles were beaten and commanded to stop preaching, "they went out from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing."  Of course, they did not relish the pain of being whipped.  Yet, they rejoiced "because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of [Jesus'] name." -Acts 5:41. 

In our time, Jehovah's people also endure with joy when they suffer in behalf of Jesus' name or when they face difficult trials.  (Read James 1:2-4)  Like the apostles, we do not take delight in any kind of suffering.  But if we maintain our integrity to God during trials, Jehovah can help us to endure with fortitude.  For example, in August 1944, authorities in a totalitarian regime sent Henryk Dornik and his brother to a concentration camp.  However, the opposers acknowledged:  "It is impossible to persuade them to do anything. Their martyrdom brings them joy."  Brother Dornik explained:  "Although I had not desire to be a martyr, suffering with courage and dignity for my loyalty to Jehovah did bring me joy. . . . Fervent prayers, drew  me closer to Jehovah, and he proved to be a reliable Helper."

 When we have the smile of approval of "the happy God," we can be happy despite religious persecution, opposition at home, sickness, or advanced age.  (1 Timothy 1:11) We also experience happiness because of the promises of the precious moments of our God, "who cannot lie."  (Titus 1:2)  The fulfillment of Jehovah's promises will be so impressive that the difficulties and trials of the present time will pale into insignificance.  In the coming  Paradise, the blessings from Jehovah will surpass our imagination.  And we will certainly experience unprecedented happiness.  Yes, we "will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace." -Psalm 37:11.  

Next time: Do You Know the Time?

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