Are you coping with emotional distress caused by disappointment or by betrayal from someone you trusted? Regardless of how a person has treated you, your heavenly Father loves you. When coping with betrayal, we can be comforted by David’s reassuring words found in today’s text. One reference work says that those “crushed in spirit” may refer to “those who have nothing good to look forward to.” How does Jehovah respond to those who feel that way because of bitter disappointment? Like a loving parent who holds and comforts a child in distress, Jehovah “is close to” us​—ever compassionate and ready to help us if we feel crushed by betrayal or loss. He is eager to comfort and soothe our broken heart and pained spirit. And he gives us many things to look forward to that help us endure our present trials.​—Isa. 65:17. w24.12 23 ¶13-14

Today, elders can be certain that Jehovah sees and values their fine work. In addition to shepherding, teaching, and preaching, many elders support construction projects and disaster relief efforts. Others serve on Patient Visitation Groups or Hospital Liaison Committees. Elders who make themselves available for such work see the congregation as Jehovah’s arrangement. They are whole-souled in their assignments and have full trust that God will reward them for what they do. (Col. 3:23, 24) Not all can be elders. But all of us have something to offer Jehovah. Our God appreciates it when we do our best to serve him. He notices our contributions to the worldwide work, no matter how modest. And he rejoices when we overlook an offense and extend forgiveness. Trust that Jehovah values what you can do. He loves you for it, and he will reward you.​—Luke 21:1-4. w24.06 23 ¶12-13

Solomon’s account illustrates what can happen to any worshipper of Jehovah. He might fall into serious sin and later feel that everything occurred suddenly. Or he might say, “It just happened.” And yet, if he thinks about what actually occurred, he will likely discover that he took some unwise steps that led to his transgression. Those steps might have involved bad association, unwholesome entertainment, or frequenting questionable places​—whether in person or online. Perhaps he had also stopped praying, reading the Bible, attending meetings, or sharing in the ministry. Like the young man discussed in Proverbs, he may not have committed the sin so suddenly after all. What is the lesson for us? We need to avoid not only the sin itself but also the steps that lead to sin. Solomon makes that very point after relating the account.​—Matt. 5:29, 30. w24.07 16 ¶10-11