Prepare Now for Persecution - HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BOND WITH JEHOVAH

Be convinced that Jehovah loves you and that he will never abandon you.  (Read Hebrews 13:5, 6)  Many years ago,the Watchtower observed:  "The person who knows God best will trust him the most in time of test."  How true!  To face persecution successfully, we must love Jehovah and trust him completely, never doubting that he has affection for us. - MATTHEW 22:36; JAMES 5:11. 

Read the Bible again with the goal of drawing closer to Jehovah. (James 4:8)  As you read, focus on Jehovah's tender qualities. Feel his love and affection expressed in the things he says and does.  (Exodus 34:6) Some may struggle to believe that God loves them because they have never been shown love. If you face that challenge, try making a list each day of ways that Jehovah has shown mercy and kindness to you.  (Psalm 78:38, 39; Romans 8:32)  As you consider your own experiences and meditate on what you have read in God's Word, you will likely be able to list many things that Jehovah has done for you. The more you appreciate what Jehovah does, the stronger your bond with him will be.

Pray regularly.  Imagine a young boy in his father's embrace. The boy feels so secure that he openly talks to his father about both the good and the bad things that happened to him that day. You can enjoy that same type of bond if you draw close to Jehovah in heartfelt prayer each day. (Read Psalm 94:17-19.) As you pray to Jehovah,  "pour your heart  like water" and tell your loving Father about all your fears and anxieties.  (Lamentations 2:19)  What will be the result? You will experience what the Bible calls "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding." (Philippians 4:6, 7) The more you pray this way, the closer you feel to Jehovah. - ROMANS 8:38, 39.

 Be convinced that the blessings of God's Kingdom will come true. (Numbers 23:19) If your faith in such promises is weak, it will be easier for Satan and his agents to terrify you.  (Proverbs 24:10; Hebrews 2:15)  How can You build confidence in God's Kingdom now?   Make it a study project to examine God's promises about his Kingdom and the reasons why you can be certain that they will come true. How will that help?  Consider the example of Stanley Jones, who was imprisoned for seven years because of his faith.   What helped him to endure faithfully? He said: "Being fortified with a knowledge of God's kingdom, being sure of it, never doubting it for a moment.  I couldn't be move."  If you have strong faith in God's promises, you will draw closer to Jehovah and you will not give in to fear. - PROVERBS  3:25, 26.

Next time: Prepare Now for Persecution - Conclusion of HOW TO STRENGTHEN YOUR BOND WITH JEHOVAH

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