A Growing Darkness

 It was not long thereafter that Jehovah withdrew his holy spirit from Saul. Without Jehovah's loving influence, Saul was subject to wild mood swings, fits of temper, and overwhelming fears. It was if  a bad spirit from God replaced a good one. (1 SAMUEL 16:15; 18:109-12) How it must have distressed Jonathan to see his once noble father so terribly changed! Nonetheless, Jonathan never swerved from his loyal service to Jehovah. Hey supported his father as best he could, even speaking to him quite frankly at times, but he kept his focus on his unchanging God and Father, Jehovah. - 1 SAMUEL 19:4, 5.

Have you e to tover watched someone you love, perhaps a close family member, change drastically for the worse? It can be a profoundly painful experience. Jonathan's example reminds us of what the palmist later wrote: "Even if my own father and mother abandon me, Jehovah himself will take me in." ( Psalm 27:10) Jehovah is loyal. He will take you in too and be the best Father imaginable, no matter what imperfect humans may do to disappoint you or let you down.

Next time: A Growing Darkness - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications