Wednesday, May 24
Trust in Jehovah with all your heart, and do not rely on your own understanding.—Prov. 3:5.
Husbands, you are responsible for the welfare of your family, so you work hard to protect and support your family. When you face challenges, you may feel that you have the resources to handle the problem on your own. However, resist the inclination to rely on your own strength. Instead, pray privately for Jehovah’s help. In addition, pray fervently with your wife. Seek direction from Jehovah by studying the Bible and publications provided by God’s organization, and apply the counsel you find. Others might not agree with the Bible-based decisions you make. They might say that money and the things it can buy will provide the best protection for your family. But remember the example of King Jehoshaphat. (2 Chron. 20:1-30) He trusted in Jehovah and proved it by his actions. Jehovah did not abandon that loyal man, and he will not abandon you.—Ps. 37:28; Heb. 13:5. w21.11 15 ¶6; 16 ¶8
Thursday, May 25
God . . . is never unjust.—Deut. 32:4.
God made us in his image, so we yearn to see people treated fairly. (Gen. 1:26) But because we are imperfect, we can misjudge matters, even when we think we have all the facts. Recall, for example, how displeased Jonah was with Jehovah’s decision to extend mercy to the people of Nineveh. (Jonah 3:10–4:1) Yet, consider the results. The lives of well over 120,000 repentant Ninevites were saved! In the end, it was Jonah—not Jehovah—who needed to be corrected. Jehovah does not owe humans an explanation for his decisions. True, Jehovah did allow his servants in the past to express their concerns about decisions he had made or was about to make. (Gen. 18:25; Jonah 4:2, 3) And occasionally, he explained his decision. (Jonah 4:10, 11) Nevertheless, Jehovah does not need our approval, either before or after he acts.—Isa. 40:13, 14; 55:9. w22.02 3-4 ¶5-6
Friday, May 26
Let the one who is the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the one taking the lead as the one ministering.—Luke 22:26.
We conduct ourselves as “the youngest” when we “consider others superior” to us. (Phil. 2:3) The more we cultivate that attitude, the less likely we are to stumble others. All our brothers and sisters are superior to us in one way or another. It is not hard to see this when we focus on their positive qualities. We should take to heart the counsel that the apostle Paul gave to the Corinthians: “Who makes you different from another? Indeed, what do you have that you did not receive? If, in fact, you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?” (1 Cor. 4:7) We should beware of any temptation to draw attention to ourselves or to think of ourselves as superior to others. If a brother gives stimulating talks or a sister is gifted at starting Bible studies, he or she should be quick to give the credit to Jehovah. w21.06 22 ¶9-10