"SEARCH FOR JEHOVAH AND HIS STRENGTH"

POWER can mean a number of things, such as the possession of control, authority, or influence over others; the ability to act or to produce an effect' physical might (strength); or mental or moral efficacy. Humans do not have a good record when it comes to wielding power. Lord Action, a historian, speaking of power in the hands of politicians said: "Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely." Modern history abounds with examples showing the general truth of Lord Action's words. During the 20th century, "man has dominated man to his injury" as never before. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Corrupt dictators have grossing abused their power and have snuffed out the lives of millions. Power unrestrained by love, wisdom and justice is dangerous.

Unlike may humans, God always uses his power for good. "As regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him." (2 Chronicles 16:9) Jehovah directs his power in a controlled way. Patience hold back God's execution of the wicked to give them the opportunity to repent. Love moves him to make the sun shine upon all kinds of men-righteous and unrighteous. Justice will move him finally to use his unlimited power to bring to nothing the one having the means to cause death, Satan the Devil. -Matthew 5:44, 45; Hebrews 2:14; 2 Peter 3:9.

The awesome power of our heavenly Father is a reason for trust and confidence -both in his promises and in his protection. A small child feels safe among strangers when he clutches the hand of his father, since he knows that his father will not let any harm come to him. Likewise, our heavenly Father,the one "abounding in power to save," will protect us from any permanent harm if we walk with him. (Isaiah 63:1; Micah 6:8 ) And as a good Father, Jehovah always fulfills his promises. His unlimited power guarantees that his 'word will have certain success in that for which he has sent it.' -Isaiah 55:11; Titus 1:2.

Why is it so important that we be determined not to lose sight of the protection of our heavenly Father? Because it is possible to be overwhelmed by circumstances and forget where our real security lies. This is seen in the example of King Asa, a man who generally trusted in Jehovah. During Asa's reign, a million-strong army of Ethiopians attacked Judah. Realizing that the military advantage was on the side of the enemies, Asa prayed" "O Jehovah, as to helping, it does not matter with you whether there are many or those with no power. Help us, O Jehovah, you are our God. Do not let mortal man retain strength against you." (2 Chronicles 14:11) Jehovah granted Asa's request and gave him a decisive victory.

After many years of faithful service, however, Asa's confidence in Jehovah's saving power faltered. To avert a military threat from the northern kingdom of Israel, he turned to Syria for help. (2 Chronicles 16:1-3) Although his bribe to the Syrian King Ben-hadad did result in removing the threat from Israel posed to Judah, Asa's convenant with Syria showed a lack of confidence in Jehovah. Hanani the prophet pointedly asked him: "Did not the Ethiopians and the Libyans themselves happen to be a very great military force in multitude, in chariots and in horsemen; and because of your leaning upon Jehovah did he not give them into your hand?" (2 Chronicles 16:7, 8) Nevertheless, Asa rejected this reproof. ( 2 Chronicles 16:9-12) When faced with problems, let us not rely on Human solutions. Instead, let us display confidence in God, for trusting in the power of men will inevitably lead to disappointment. (Amen to this)-Psalm 146:3-5.

Next time: Seek the Power That Jehovah Gives

Watchtower, 2000

JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

In the Scriptures, Jehovah is called the "God Almighty," a title that reminds us that we should never underestimate his power or doubt his ability to vanquish his enemies. (Genesis 17:1; Exodus 6:3) Satan's wicked system of things may seem well entrenched, but in Jehovah's eyes "the nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted." (Isaiah 40:15) Thanks to such divine power, there is no doubt that good will triumph over evil. At a time when wickedness is rampant, we can take comfort in knowing that "Jehovah of armies, the Powerful One of Israel" will eliminate evil forever. -Isaiah 1:24; Psalm 37:9, 10.

The expression "Jehovah of armies," which occurs 285 times in the Bible, is another reminder of God's power, the "armies" here referred to are the host of spirit creatures that Jehovah has at his command. (Psalm 103:20, 21; 148:2) In a single night, just of these angels slew 185,000 Assyrian soldier who were threatening Jerusalem. Jerusalem. (2 Kings 19:35) If we recognize the power of Jehovah's celestial armies, we will not easily be intimidated by opposers. the prophet Elisha was unconcerned when trapped by and entire army that was seeking him because, unlike his servant, he could see with the eyes of faith a vast host of heavenly forces supporting him. - 2 Kings 6:15-17.

Jesus was likewise conscious of angelic support when he faced a mob armed with swords and clubs in the Garden of Gethsemane. After telling Peter to return his sword to its place, Jesus told him that, if necessary, He could appeal to his Father for "more than twelve legions of angels." (Matthew 26:47, 52, 53) If we have a similar appreciation for the heavenly armies at God's disposal, we will also trust implicitly in divine backing. The apostle Paul wrote: "What then, shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who will be against us?" -Romans 8:31.

We have every reason, then, to trust in Jehovah's protection. He always uses his power for good and in harmony with his other qualities -justice, wisdom and love. (Job 37:23; Jeremiah 10:12) While powerful men frequently trample on the poor and humble ones for selfish gain, Jehovah "raises up the lowly one from the very dust' and abounds in power to save.' (Psalm 113:5-7; Isaiah 63:1) As Mary, the modest and unassuming mother of Jesus, understood, "the powerful One" unselfishly exercises his power in behalf of those who fear him, humbling the haughty and exalting the lowly. -Luke 1:46-53.

Next time: Jehovah Reveals His Power to His Servants

Watchtower, 2000

God Does Answer Prayers

What if You Feel Unworthy to Pray?

Some sincere people may feel unworthy to pray because of their bad way of life. Jesus Christ told the story of such a man, a despise tax collector. Entering the temple courtyard, this man felt unworthy to come to the customary place of prayer. "Standing at a distance . . . [he] kept beating his breast, saying, 'O God, be gracious to me a sinner.' " (Luke 18:13) According to Jesus, this man received a favorable hearing. This proves that Jehovah God is indeed gracious and wants to help sincerely repentant sinners.

Consider a young South African man name Paul. As a boy, Paul had attended Christian meetings with his mother. But during his high school years, he began associating with young people who did not follow God's ways. After leaving school, he served in the army of South Africa's former apartheid government. Then, unexpectedly, his girlfriend broke off their relationship. This unsatisfying way of life left Paul feeling very depressed. "One evening," he recalls, "I prayed to Jehovah and asked for his help, even though I had not approached God sincerely for years."

Not long after this prayer, Paul's mother invited him to attend the annual Memorial of Christ's death. (Luke 22:19) Paul found it strange that his mother did this, as he had been wayward and had shown little interest in the Bible. "I viewed this invitation as Jehovah's answer to my prayer and felt that I had to reciprocate." From that time onward, Paul began attending all Christian meetings. After four months of Bible study, he qualified for baptism. Moreover, he terminated his engineering studies and chose the career of sharing in the full-time evangelizing work. Today, Paul is a happy man, no longer depressed about his past life. For the last 11 years, he has served at the branch office of the Watchtower Society in South Africa.

Indeed, Jehovah God graciously answers prayers and "becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him." (Hebrews 11:6) Soon the great day of Jehovah will arrive and bring an end to all wickedness. In the meantime, Jehovah is answering the prayers of his people for strength and guidance as they zealously share in the vital work of witnessing. Thus, millions of individuals from all nations are being brought into contact with the Christian congregation and are being blessed with Bible knowledge that leads to everlasting life. -John 17:3.

Next time: JEHOVAH -THE ONE WHO IS VIGOROUS IN POWER

Watchtower, 2000