Find Joy in the Privileges You Have

" Better to enjoy what the eyes see than to wander after one's desires." - ECCLESIASTES 6:9.

WRE HAVE a lot of work to do as this system  nears its end.  (Matthew 24:14; Luke 10"2; 1 Peter 5:2)  We all want to serve Jehovah as fully as we can.  Many are expanding their ministry.  Some hope to serve as pioneers. Others hope to serve at Bethel or share in the construction of theocratic facilities.  And numerous brothers are reaching out to qualify as a ministerial servant or an elder.  (1 Timothy 3:1, 8) How pleased Jehovah must be to see the willing spirit among  his people! - PSALM 110:3; ISAIAH 6:8.

We could begin to feel disheartened, however, If considerable time has passed and we have no yet reached some of our spiritual goals. Or we might  be discouraged if because of age or other circumstances, some privileges  are not available to us.  (Proverbs 13:12)   That is the case with Melissa  She would love to serve at Bethel or attend the school  for Kingdom Evangelizers, but she states:  "I am over the age limit. Now for me, those privileges  are only a dream.  At times, I feel discouraged."

Some who are young and healthy may need to mature and display certain  qualities before they can qualify for additional privileges.  On the one hand, they may need to learn to be more patient, thorough, or respectful.  If you focus on the needed qualities , a privilege of service may be extended  to you when you least expect it.  Consider the experience of Nick. When he was 20 years old, he was deeply disappointed because he was not appointed as a ministerial servant..  He says, "I felt that there must be something wrong with me."  But Nick did not give up. He took full advantage of the privileges that open to him.  Today he serves as a member of the Branch Committee. 

Are you discouraged because you have not yet reached a certain spiritual goal?  If so, share your concerns with Jehovah.  (Psalm 37:5-7)  In addition , ask mature brothers for suggestions on how you can improve in your service to God. And then try your best to apply their counsel. If you do, you may well receive that privilege or reach that goal.  But as in the case of Melissa, mentioned earlier, the privilege you desire  may be beyond your reach at the present time. What then? How can you maintain your joy?  To answer that question, this article will discuss  (1) where to look for joy.,  (2) how to   increase your joy, and (3)  what kind of goals you can set that add to your joy.

Next time: Find Joy in the Privileges You Have -  WHERE TO LOOK FOR JOY

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