"DRAWING NEAR TO GOD" BRINGS US HAPPINESS

 The closer we draw to Jehovah, the happier we will be. (Psalm 65:4) This is true for many reasons. For one thing, we benefit from applying the practical wisdom found in his Word, the Bible. Such wisdom protects us from bad influences and from making serious mistakes. (Read Proverbs 2:6-16.) Appropriately, the Bible states: "Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who acquires discernment." - PROVERBS 3:13. 

Of course, even Jehovah's friends go through period of sadness. The writer of Psalm 73 lost his joy when he gave in to negative thinking. He became annoyed and envious because, in his mind, bad people who did not care about God or his standards had it easy. He wrongly assumed that violent and haughty people were always richer and healthier and were even immune from suffering. (Psalm 73:3-7, 12) The psalmist was so troubled that at one point he wondered if his efforts to serve Jehovah were worth it. In his sadness he exclaimed: "Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence." - PSALMS 73:13.

The psalmist did not allow sadness to paralyze him.  He took action. He "entered the grand sanctuary of God," where Jehovah corrected his thinking.  (Psalm 73:17-19) When we are sad, Jehovah, our best Friend knows about it. If we pray to him for guidance and accept the help he provides through his Word and the congregation, we will receive the inner strength to endure sadness. Even when we feel overwhelmed with anxieties, Jehovah will comfort and soothe us. - PSALM 94:19.

Next time: "DRAWING NEAR TO GOD" GIVE US PURPOSE AND HOPE

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