JEHOVAH COMFORTS US THROUGH HOLY SPIRIT

 By means of his holy spirit, Jehovah comforts us when we suffer trauma or loss. Consider the experience of Ron and Carol. Tragically, their son took his own life. They say: "We had gone through difficult trials before, but this was by far the worst. We prayed during many sleepless nights, and we truly felt the peace described by Philippians 4:6, 7. (Read.) If you are coping with a heartbreaking trial, you can pour out your heart to Jehovah in prayer as often as you want. (Psalm86:3; 88:1) Ask Jehovah repeatedly for his holy spirit. He will never ignore your requests. - LUKE 11:9-13.

Has a distressing ordeal left you weak? Holy spirit can empower you to continue worshipping Jehovah faithfully. (Read Ephesians 3:16.) Consider the experience of a sister named Flora. She and her husband were serving together as missionaries when her husband became unfaithful to her, and they divorced.  She says: "The anguish I felt because of his betrayal consumed me. I prayed to Jehovah for his holy spirit in order to persevere.  Jehovah gave me what I needed to heal and to cope with something that in the beginning seemed insurmountable." Flora feels that God has helped her to grow in confidence and that he will sustain her in all her trials. She adds: "The words of Psalm 119:32 applied to me: "I will eagerly pursue the wat of your commandments because you make room for it in my heart." 

How can you work in harmony with your requests for holy spirit? Share in activities that will allow God's spirit to operate on you. These include attending meetings and witnessing to others. Fill your mind with Jehovah's thoughts by reading his Word every day. (Philippians 4:8, 9) As you read, take note of Bible characters who experienced trials ad meditate on how Jehovah helped them to endure. Sandra, quoted earlier, suffered a series of severe hardships. She says: "The account of Joseph really touches me. He did not let the trials and injustices he suffered weaken his relationship with Jehovah." -GENESIS 39:21-23. 

Next time: JEHOVAH COMFORTS US THROUGH FELLOW BELIEVERS

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