Let Jehovah Soothe You - WHAT WE LEARN FROM THE APOSTLE PAUL

Paul had many reasons for feeling anxious.  For instance, because he loved is brothers and sisters, the  problem they faced weighted heavily on his mind.  (2 Corinthians 2:4; 11:28)  In his assignment as an apostle, Paul had to deal with opposers who beat  him and threw him in prison. He also had to endure hardships that caused anxiety, such as being "low on provisions." (Philippians 4:12)  And reconsidering that he had been shipwrecked at least three times at that point in his life, we can only imagine the anxiety he experienced when traveling by boat.  (2 Corinthians 11:23-27) How did Paul deal with the anxiety?

Paul felt anxious for his brothers and sisters  when they faced challenges, but he did not try to fix all their problems by himself. Paul was modest.  He arranged for others to help in caring for the congregation.  For example,  he delegated authority to trustworthy men as Timothy and Titus.  The work those brothers did no doubt helped to reduce Paul's anxiety. - PHILIPPIANS 2:19, 20; TITUS 1:1. 

Ask others to help you.  Like Paul, many empathetic elders today feel anxious for those in the congregation who are facing trials.  But an elder can only do so much. Modesty will move him to share the load with other qualified young men to help them to take care of God's flock. - 2 TIMOTHY 2:2. 

Acknowledge your need to be comforted.   Paul was humble, so he sought and received encouragement from his friends.  He obviously did not worry about being viewed  as a weak person if he acknowledged that he had been comforted by others.  In writing to Philemon, Paul said:  "I received much joy and comfort on hearing of your love." (Philemon 7)  Paul mentioned several other fellow workers who had greatly encouraged him during times of distress. (Colossians 4:7, 11)  When we humbly acknowledge that we need encouragement, our brothers and sisters will gladly give us the support we need.

Rely on God's Word. Paul knew that the Scriptures would comfort him.  (Romans 15:4)  They would also give him wisdom to face any trial.  (2 Timothy 3:15, 16)  When imprisoned in Rome for the second time, Paul felt that his death was near. In the face of that distressing situation, what did Paul do? He asked Timothy to come to him quickly and to bring "the scrolls."  (2 Timothy  4:6, 7, 9, 13) Why? Because those scrolls were likely portions of the Hebrew Scriptures that Paul could use in his personal Bible study.  When we imitate Paul by regularly studying God's Word, Jehovah will use the Scriptures to soothe us-no matter what trials we face. 

Next time: Let Jehovah Soothe You - WHAT WE LEARN FROM KING DAVID

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