JEHOVAH COMFORTS US

 Read 2 Corinthians 1:3, 4. At times, we experience grief, anxiety, or distress. Perhaps you are going through a distressing situation right now that makes you feel alone. Does anyone understand what you are feeling? Jehovah does. He not only feels our pain but also "comforts us in all our trials." How? When we supplicate Jehovah in prayer, he gives us "the peace of God that surpasses all understanding." (Philippians 4:6, 7) We also find comfort when we read in the Bible Jehovah's Words to us. The inspired expressions of love, wisdom, and hope in that treasure can lift our spirits. And Christians meetings comfort us by providing warm fellowship and Bible-based encouragement.

To illustrate how Jehovah provides comfort and encouragement by means of his Word, consider the experience of Nathan and Priscilla, who live in the United States. Some years ago, they decided to move to where there was a greater need for Kingdom publishers. "We trusted that Jehovah would bless our efforts," Nathan says. However, after arriving in their new assignment, they faced unexpected health problems and financial hardships. The couple eventually had to return home, where they still continued to struggle financially. "I wondered why God hadn't blessed us the way we thought he would." Nathan recalls. "I even began to wonder if I had done something wrong." In time, however, Nathan and Priscilla came to realize that God had not abandoned them in their time of need. "During those difficult times, the Bible became like a wise friend offering us encouragement and guidance," Nathan relates.  "Focusing on how Jehovah helped us to endure that hardship instead of focusing on the trial itself prepared us to face future challenges and faith." 

Next time: JEHOVAH COMFORTS US - Conclusion

From the jw.org publications