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Serve Jehovah With a Joyful HeartThe Watchtower—1982 | November 1
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Serve Jehovah With a Joyful Heart
“Serve Jehovah with rejoicing. Come in before him with a joyful cry.”—Psalm 100:2.
1, 2. What contrasting views of life are here cited?
“I HAVE messed up my life, and it’s too late to change it . . . When I go walking alone, I think back over my life, and I’m not happy with the way I made it.” So said an older woman who had gained fame as an actress and seemingly had good cause for happiness. But those words evidently did not originate in a truly joyful heart.
2 By contrast, consider a certain man who has been waging a battle against paralysis for over thirty-seven years. Seemingly, such a person has little reason for joy. Yet he speaks of happiness and says that he has found something that “makes life genuinely rewarding and meaningful.”
3. (a) What personal experiences may cause us to wonder whether any human can have true joy? (b) How can joy be defined?
3 Most of us have not had to endure a long, painful struggle against infirmity. Nor have we become world famous as entertainers. Likely, we are common folk who must face the daily anxieties and hardships of life. Our experiences prove that “man, born of woman, is short-lived and glutted with agitation,” and doubtless we agree that “all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together.” (Job 14:1; Romans 8:22) For that matter, we may well wonder whether anyone on earth can have true joy—that “emotion of great delight or happiness caused by something good or satisfying.” What is your thought? Is joy really attainable?
Can You Find It?
4. Who are among the millions experiencing true joy?
4 Millions do experience joy. The righteous heavenly angels joyfully ‘carry out God’s word.’ (Psalm 103:20) They have always served Jehovah God with true joy. Why, at earth’s founding, these “morning stars joyfully cried out together”! (Job 38:4-7) Surely the faithful angel that announced Jesus’ birth had a delightful mission, for he was declaring “good news of a great joy.”—Luke 2:8-14.
5. As regards joy, what has been the experience of God’s only-begotten Son?
5 But what about “the only-begotten Son of God”? (John 3:18) Before becoming the man Jesus Christ he was Jehovah’s “master worker” in heaven. Was that service joyful? Indeed it was, for we are told: “I came to be the one he [Jehovah] was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time.” (Proverbs 8:22-31) While on earth as a man Jesus found delight in doing God’s will. (Psalm 40:6-8; Hebrews 10:5-10) Moreover, “for the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2) Now, as “the happy and only Potentate” who soon will make divine judgments felt on earth, Jesus Christ truly serves Jehovah with a joyful heart.—1 Timothy 6:13-16; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-10.
6. Where can you find joy today?
6 Well, then, can you find joy today? Yes, and the afflicted man mentioned earlier indicates how in saying: “I have found it true that the greatest happiness is in serving God. This makes life genuinely rewarding and meaningful. Being a paralytic has not robbed me of the privileges and blessings of serving the Creator.” Genuine joy is found among those wholeheartedly devoted to Jehovah God. And why not? They declare “good news” from “the happy God”—a heartening message about endless life amid grand blessings under the rule of the “kingdom of the heavens.” (Matthew 24:14; 1 Timothy 1:11; Matthew 5:3) So they have reason to “serve Jehovah with rejoicing,” to “come in before him with a joyful cry.”—Psalm 100:2.
7, 8. (a) Despite their joy, why are persons devoted to Jehovah not always lighthearted? (b) Why is it that life’s hardships do not overwhelm Jehovah’s people?
7 This does not mean that a person devoted to God will always be lighthearted. In imperfect human society, Jehovah’s people do experience some sadness at times. (Romans 5:12) For instance, when Esau took Hittite women as wives, “they were a source of bitterness of spirit to [his God-fearing parents] Isaac and Rebekah.” (Genesis 26:34, 35) Moreover, by outright persecution and indirect “crafty acts,” Satan the Devil endeavors to destroy the Christian’s precious relationship with Jehovah. (Ephesians 6:11, The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures) Hence, lovers of God can expect some hardships along life’s pathway. Yet these difficulties do not overwhelm Jehovah’s people. They draw “comfort from the Scriptures” and confidently pray for God’s spirit and aid in cultivating its fruit of joy. (Romans 15:4; Luke 11:13; Galatians 5:22, 23) Despite life’s trials, Christians can have “joy of holy spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 1:6) Especially do blessings from Jehovah contribute to that joy.
8 The blessing of Jehovah truly is enriching. (Proverbs 10:22) But, if you are a Christian, have you counted your blessings? They should make you “rejoice in Jehovah.” (Psalm 32:11) Consider but a few of your blessings and you will find ample reason to serve Jehovah with a joyful heart.
Joyous Privileges Without Equal
9. What does it mean to know Jehovah, and what bearing does this have on joy?
9 Knowing and serving Jehovah are blessings beyond compare. Through the prophet Jeremiah, God said: “Let the one bragging about himself brag about himself because of this very thing, the having of insight and the having of knowledge of me, that I am Jehovah, the One exercising loving-kindness, justice and righteousness in the earth.” (Jeremiah 9:24) Naturally, just possessing knowledge of the divine name is not enough. Knowing Jehovah means being aware of his qualities, dealings, attitudes and purposes. It means obeying him, recognizing and submitting to his authority. (1 John 5:3) Earnest study of the Scriptures and meditation on the words and actions of God’s Son, who is in absolute harmony with his Father, make it possible to have a close personal relationship with God. (John 1:18; 14:9-11) Those who thus know Jehovah are joyful indeed. In fact, “to the man that is good before him he [Jehovah] has given wisdom and knowledge and rejoicing.”—Ecclesiastes 2:26.
10. What is the most important and satisfying way in which human life can be used?
10 The inestimable privilege of rendering “sacred service” to the true God is another blessing enjoyed by Jehovah’s Witnesses. No human could use life in a more important or satisfying way. Surely, Zechariah (who was the father of John the Baptizer) expressed matters well in blessing Jehovah for granting His people “the privilege of fearlessly rendering sacred service to him with loyalty and righteousness” all their days.—Luke 1:67-79; compare Romans 12:1; Revelation 7:9, 13-15.
11. What joy-producing privilege is associated with rendering God “sacred service”?
11 The privilege of bearing Jehovah’s name as his witnesses is associated with that of rendering God “sacred service.” (Isaiah 43:10-12) That certainly should promote joy, even as Jeremiah said: “Your word becomes to me the exultation and the rejoicing of my heart; for your name has been called upon me, O Jehovah God of armies.”—Jeremiah 15:16.
12. If we are discouraged, reflecting on what contrasts may lift our spirits?
12 If you are serving God but occasionally experience discouragement, brief reflection on some contrasts may lift your spirits. For instance, when we consider that the wicked angels are “reserved with eternal bonds under dense darkness” for God’s adverse judgment, the lot of the righteous angels in Jehovah’s service stands out as being all the more joyous. (Jude 6) And what a contrast exists between Jesus’ joyful position and that of Satan the Devil, who faces eternal destruction! (Revelation 20:10, 14) Then, too, Jehovah’s compassionate care and blessings surely make it easy to see “the distinction between a righteous one and a wicked one, between one serving God and one who has not served him.” (Malachi 3:17, 18) However, consider yet other blessings that provide sound reasons for serving Jehovah with a joyful heart.
True Freedom and Spiritual Light
13, 14. Religiously speaking, what true freedom and spiritual light do Jehovah’s servants enjoy?
13 Liberation from “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion, surely is another blessing that promotes joy. True Christians are happy that they will not ‘share in her sins and receive part of her plagues.’ (Revelation 18:2, 4) Additionally, Jehovah’s servants enjoy freedom from the fears and fables of false religion. “You will know the truth,” said Jesus, “and the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32) That true freedom seems all the more precious when we reflect on the slavery of those in spiritual darkness.
14 For instance, unlike so many adherents of false religion, worshipers of Jehovah do not bow and pray before images that can neither speak, see, hear, smell, feel nor walk. (Psalm 115:4-8) Nor do spiritually free and enlightened Christians fear the dead, as do so many of earth’s inhabitants. The false religious teaching that man has an immortal soul fosters this dread that the deceased may return to haunt or plague the living. But spiritual light from God has dispelled such fears, for true Christians know that the dead “are conscious of nothing at all.” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) How much more wholesome it is to realize that dead loved ones in God’s memory will experience a resurrection! (John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) Surely, Jehovah’s devoted witnesses can rejoice that the heavenly Father whom they serve in unison has, by his holy spirit, revealed to them “the deep things of God.” (1 Corinthians 2:10) Yes, he has granted his people joy-producing spiritual light and truth.—Psalm 43:3.
The Joy of Aiding Others
15, 16. (a) What happened when Jesus’ early disciples ‘let their light shine’? (b) Christians today experience what in disciple making?
15 Reflecting spiritual light is also a blessing. Jesus told his followers: “You are the light of the world. . . . Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” (Matthew 5:14-16) What happened as those early disciples ‘let their light shine’ by word and deed? Others benefited, but such activity also brought joy to Christ’s followers themselves. (Luke 10:1, 17-20; Acts 8:4-8) Certainly, those disciple makers were serving Jehovah with a joyful heart.—Matthew 28:19, 20.
16 Christians experience similar joy today in the work of proclaiming the kingdom message. Especially is this true with regard to persons they aid in gaining a knowledge of God’s truth. The apostle Paul had such joy, for he said that the Philippians he had helped were his “joy and crown.” (Philippians 4:1) Respecting those he had aided at Thessalonica, the apostle wrote: “What is our hope or joy or crown of exultation—why, is it not in fact you?—before our Lord Jesus at his presence? You certainly are our glory and joy.” (1 Thessalonians 2:19, 20) Yes, Paul—just like Christians today—found joy in those he had assisted spiritually. Are you exerting yourself in Jehovah’s service and experiencing such joy?
17. Why, despite limited results in some areas, do Jehovah’s Witnesses find joy in their disciple-making work?
17 Despite limited results when witnessing in some areas today, Jehovah’s Witnesses find joy in knowing that they are pleasing and praising their God. That is true even if certain householders are not happy to see the Witnesses at their doors. Jehovah’s servants are not discouraged by this, for they realize that serving God is the finest privilege anyone on earth can enjoy.
Even Persecution Brings Joy
18. Why can Christians be joyful even though suffering persecution?
18 Christians serve Jehovah with a joyful heart even though they often suffer persecution. Jesus pronounced happy those persecuted for his sake, and the apostle Peter stated: “Go on rejoicing forasmuch as you are sharers in the sufferings of the Christ, that you may rejoice and be overjoyed also during the revelation of his glory. If you are being reproached for the name of Christ, you are happy.” Why? “Because,” says Peter, “the spirit of glory, even the spirit of God, is resting upon you.” (1 Peter 4:13, 14; Matthew 5:11, 12) Experiencing persecution for being a Christian may not seem to be a blessing. But if you are enduring such suffering you have evidence of God’s spirit and approval—and, surely, that promotes joy.
19. How did one victim of Nazi persecution express himself?
19 Because of having God’s holy spirit and the strength that Jehovah imparts, persecuted Christians can maintain their joy under extreme circumstances. (Philippians 4:13) Some years ago, from a Nazi concentration camp, a young Witness unjustly sentenced to death wrote his parents: “It is already past midnight. I still have time to change my mind. Ah! could I be happy again in this world after I had denied our Lord? Surely not! But now you have the assurance that I leave this world in happiness and peace.” Yes, persecuted Christians do serve Jehovah with a joyful heart.
Other Reasons for Joy
20. How is joy affected by associating with fellow believers?
20 In spite of the persecution endured by Jehovah’s Witnesses, they experience true joy in association with their fellow believers. What a blessing! In a world filled with dishonesty, lies and wrongdoing, how good it is to have honest, truthful, upright associates who have put on the “new personality”! (Colossians 3:8-11) Then, too, there is deep satisfaction in knowing that one’s own conduct makes Jehovah’s heart rejoice.—Proverbs 27:11.
21. What are some ways to promote the interests of true worship joyfully?
21 It is also a blessing to promote the interests of true worship joyfully, perhaps by sharing in the construction, maintenance and support of a Christian meeting place. (Exodus 36:1-7; 2 Kings 12:4-15) Certainly, such efforts bring a person joy of heart. And how can anyone fully evaluate the blessings and joys of regularly meeting with Jehovah’s people, as well as cooperating with them in God-given witnessing work?—Psalm 122:1; 1 Corinthians 3:5-9.
22. Faithfulness in performing godly deeds results in what?
22 Faithfulness in performing godly deeds also results in a rich blessing—the prospect of salvation and a joyous future in God’s promised new system of things. (2 Peter 3:11-13) What a difference there is between the hope-filled servants of Jehovah and persons ‘who have no hope and are without God in the world’! (Ephesians 2:11, 12) Surely, with David, Jehovah’s people today can say to God: “As for me, in your loving-kindness I have trusted; let my heart be joyful in your salvation.” (Psalm 13:5) Indeed, when Christians count their blessings, they find many reasons to serve Jehovah with a joyful heart.
Continue to “Serve Jehovah With Rejoicing”
23. Rather than allowing growing pressures to dominate our thinking, what should we do?
23 Although witnesses of Jehovah now enjoy many blessings, they cannot escape the growing pressures from this old system of things. These must be met courageously at work, in school and elsewhere, and such factors can be discouraging. But, rather than letting these disagreeable things dominate our thinking and disturb us constantly, we are wise to shift our thoughts to positive, upbuilding matters. Yes, instead of being discouraged or sorrowful, let us be “zealous for fine works” and reflect on our blessings as Jehovah’s servants. (Titus 2:14) Then we will be cheerful, as though we were enjoying a continual feast. As Proverbs 15:15 puts it: “All the days of the afflicted one are bad; but the one that is good at heart has a feast constantly.”
24. (a) How can your life have a rewarding purpose? (b) What question appropriately is raised?
24 Admittedly, many people are not happy with their lot in life. But if you love and obey God, zealously persevering in his service, your life has a rewarding purpose. Moreover, with Jehovah’s help, life’s problems and pressures can be endured successfully. So be of good courage and continue to cherish the blessings God bestows upon you as you serve Jehovah with a joyful heart. (Psalm 100:2)
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We Can “Rejoice During All Our Days”The Watchtower—1982 | November 1
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We Can “Rejoice During All Our Days”
“Satisfy us in the morning with your loving-kindness, that we may cry out joyfully and may rejoice during all our days.”—Psalm 90:14.
1. How does Jehovah show that he wants his people to be happy?
JEHOVAH GOD wants his people to be happy. He knows that heartfelt joy is vital for contented, healthy existence. (Proverbs 17:22) Accordingly, as a God of loving-kindness, Jehovah provides guidance that will foster joyous feelings if it is applied in life.
2. Why can genuine Christians be confident about praying for joy?
2 Faced with the stresses of living in an ungodly system of things, Jehovah’s Witnesses, as genuine Christians, can pray for joy. It is a fruit of God’s holy spirit, and he grants that spirit to his faithful dedicated people who ask for it. (Luke 11:13; Galatians 5:22, 23) They can also well express sentiments similar to these, prayerfully uttered by God’s prophet Moses: “Satisfy us in the morning with your loving-kindness, that we may cry out joyfully and may rejoice during all our days.” (Psalm 90:14) Those trusting in Jehovah can be confident that he will answer such earnest petitions.—1 John 5:13-15.
3. If we are to “rejoice during all our days,” what two basic factors must be observed?
3 Yet, in addition to prayer two basic factors must be remembered if we are to “rejoice during all our days.” These were highlighted when God’s people of ancient times were told that maledictions would befall them if they did not “listen to the voice of Jehovah . . . by keeping his commandments,” and if they did not “serve Jehovah . . . with rejoicing and joy of heart.” (Deuteronomy 28:45-47) Hence, if we are to be happy all our life, we must (1) obey Jehovah and (2) serve him joyfully.
4. (a) What does Jehovah provide so that his people may serve him with a joyful heart? (b) What wise sayings may we consider, resulting in what?
4 Jehovah provides both the incentive and the help his people need to serve him with a joyful heart. Moreover, he graciously provides reliable guidelines that promote joy. By way of example, observe how wise sayings embodied in certain portions of the Bible book of Proverbs can produce deep joy. Indeed, if applied in life such counsel can cause us to “rejoice during all our days.”
Joy Within the Family
5. (a) What does Jehovah expect of parents? (b) As regards obedience, what effect can children have within a family?
5 To achieve and maintain family happiness, it is necessary to obey God, to be sensitive to counsel found in his Word. For instance, Jehovah expects parents to do their best in training their children. In this the father is to take the lead, but the mother should share in it actively. (Proverbs 22:6; 31:1) And what of the children? Well, a child “that holds a father in derision and that despises obedience to a mother” certainly will not fare well and will bring grief, not joy, to his or her parents. (Proverbs 30:17; 17:21) On the other hand, wise sons and daughters who obediently accept the discipline given by godly parents and live in harmony with Scriptural principles bring joy and honor to a family.—Proverbs 10:1; 15:20; 23:15, 16.
6, 7. (a) What counsel is given at Proverbs 23:22-25, and what results when it is followed? (b) The counsel to ‘buy truth and not sell it’ means what?
6 Godly parents who raise their children in a way that moves them to pursue a righteous course have reason for real joy. Concerning this we are told in the Scriptures: “Listen to your father who caused your birth, and do not despise your mother just because she has grown old. Buy truth itself and do not sell it—wisdom and discipline and understanding. The father of a righteous one will without fail be joyful; the one becoming father to a wise one will also rejoice in him. Your father and your mother will rejoice, and she that gave birth to you will be joyful.”—Proverbs 23:22-25.
7 A wise child will heed his Christian father’s spiritual instruction and will not ignore what his godly mother says, even though she may have grown old. After all, a responsible adult can still learn something from his or her aged parents. The counsel to ‘buy truth and not sell it’ clearly means sticking to true principles as a guide in life. A righteously disposed child will not give up truth for pleasures, riches or honor. And surely a family in which all members cling to Jehovah will have abiding joy.—Deuteronomy 10:20, 21.
Maintaining Joy Despite Wrongdoers
8, 9. As shown at Proverbs 2:10-14, how can using godly wisdom protect us from wrongdoers?
8 Obedience to Jehovah’s counsel helps us to maintain joy under various circumstances. For example, by using godly wisdom, we can find protection from wrongdoers. The Scriptures state: “When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge itself becomes pleasant to your very soul, thinking ability itself will keep guard over you, discernment itself will safeguard you, to deliver you from the bad way, from the man speaking perverse things, from those leaving the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, from those who are rejoicing in doing bad, who are joyful in the perverse things of badness.”—Proverbs 2:10-14.
9 Jehovah’s approval rests upon those who cherish true wisdom and let their hearts be influenced by it. They wisely avoid associating with anyone “speaking perverse things,” that is, things contrary to what is true and right. Proper thinking ability and true discernment furnish protection against those who reject godly wisdom, find pleasure in evil deeds and seek to corrupt others.—Compare Proverbs 4:16.
10. How does a bad man’s transgression ensnare him?
10 The wrongdoer may ‘rejoice in doing bad,’ but who has real joy? Another proverb answers: “In the transgression of a bad man there is a snare, but he that is righteous cries out joyfully and is glad.” (Proverbs 29:6) Yes, a bad man’s transgression ensnares him. One sin may lead to another, and woes may come upon him unexpectedly. For example, he may plot the undoing of another, only to have his scheme boomerang on him. In ancient Israel, a false witness might seek the death of an innocent person by testifying against him falsely. But the schemer himself would be put to death if his plot was uncovered.—Deuteronomy 19:16-21.
11. Why can the righteously inclined person ‘cry out joyfully’?
11 How much better the lot of the righteous one! He neither schemes against his neighbor nor practices sin. Hence, he avoids being ensnared by transgression and does not suffer the troubles that attend wrongdoing or the penalty that results from being discovered as a scheming wrongdoer. So the righteously inclined person “cries out joyfully and is glad.” For one thing, he is not plagued by a guilty conscience. Moreover, he enjoys God’s favor, “for the devious person is a detestable thing to Jehovah, but His intimacy is with the upright ones.”—Proverbs 3:32.
Rejoice When a Foe Fares Badly?
12. How should a Christian react if a foe fares badly? Why?
12 Yet, how should a Christian react if a foe happens to fare badly? “When your enemy falls,” says another proverb, “do not rejoice; and when he is caused to stumble, may your heart not be joyful.” Why? “That Jehovah may not see and it be bad in his eyes and he certainly turn back his anger from against him.” (Proverbs 24:17, 18) This rules out what might be termed malicious joy when an enemy meets with some disaster. Since it would be wrong to wish calamity upon an enemy merely for personal satisfaction, an individual who did thus rejoice would have to account to Jehovah for his sin. For that matter, God can read the heart and therefore knows if we are secretly rejoicing over another person’s calamity. So, that wrong spirit, though concealed from fellow humans, is evident to Jehovah, who says: “Vengeance is mine, and retribution.” (Deuteronomy 32:35; Hebrews 10:30) Accordingly, God may punish the gloating one in some way.—Compare Proverbs 17:5.
13. What is the meaning of Proverbs 11:10?
13 On the other hand, we are told: “Because of the goodness of the righteous ones a town is elated, but when the wicked ones perish there is a joyful cry.” (Proverbs 11:10) How is this to be understood? Well, righteous people generally are beloved and they make their neighbors happy. But no one is fond of “wicked ones.” A cruel person brings ostracism upon himself. (Proverbs 11:17) Additionally, when the wicked die they are not mourned by people in general, and certainly there would be no sorrow when Jehovah destroys these wrongdoers. Rather, there would be joy because they had been removed from the scene. Are we conducting ourselves in a way that contributes to the joy or ‘elation’ of others?
The Joyful Heart a Blessing
14. As discussed so far, how does obeying Jehovah enable us to “rejoice during all our days”?
14 Obeying Jehovah enables us to “rejoice during all our days.” As already noted, when divine counsel is applied in life the parent-child relationship is a happy one. Accepting God’s guidance protects us from the bad influence of wrongdoers and makes us joyful. Furthermore, adhering to Jehovah’s instructions keeps us from developing a wrong attitude toward any misfortunes of the wicked, and thus we are able to maintain joy. Yes, by obeying Jehovah God we will have a joyful heart. This in itself is a blessing.
15. Rather than allowing “anxious care” to cause our heart to “bow down” with sadness, what should we do, and why?
15 Wise King Solomon said: “A joyful heart has a good effect on the countenance, but because of the pain of the heart there is a stricken spirit.” (Proverbs 15:13) Indeed, the emotions of joy and sorrow are reflected in a person’s countenance. Of course, there are many anxieties in life and these could make us very sad. “Anxious care in the heart of a man is what will cause it to bow down,” says another proverb, “but the good word is what makes it rejoice.” (Proverbs 12:25) So rather than permitting “anxious care” to cause our hearts to “bow down” with sadness, how wise it is to draw close to Jehovah by meditating on that storehouse of good things, his inspired Word! Surely, this can bring joy back into a sad but righteous heart.
16. (a) How does a good report ‘make the bones fat’? (b) Although ‘a joyful heart is good medicine,’ how should we view constant mirth?
16 Solomon also said: “The brightness of the eyes makes the heart rejoice; a report that is good makes the bones fat.” (Proverbs 15:30) Good news “makes the bones fat,” that is, fills them with marrow. Thus the whole body is invigorated, and a joy-filled heart is reflected when the eyes shine brightly. Whereas mental depression, or a ‘stricken spirit,’ has a bad effect physically, ‘a joyful heart is good medicine.’ (Proverbs 17:22; compare The Amplified Bible.) Obviously, though, a heart should not constantly be given over to senseless mirth, for Solomon “said to laughter: ‘Insanity!’ and to rejoicing: ‘What is this doing?’” (Ecclesiastes 2:2) However, a person certainly is benefited by a heart that rejoices in doing God’s will.
17, 18. (a) Why can a loyal friend be likened to ‘oil and incense that make the heart rejoice’? (b) How has Jesus Christ been a straight-talking heavenly Friend? (c) What personal question is raised?
17 Pointing to something else that results in joy, another proverb says: “Oil and incense are what make the heart rejoice, also the sweetness of one’s companion due to the counsel of the soul.” (Proverbs 27:9) Just as oil is soothing and incense gives pleasure because of its sweet scent, a loyal friend who provides counsel with the aim of being helpful makes the recipient’s heart rejoice. There is sweetness in such friendship, for those who talk in a frank way can help each other to improve, to make corrections and to strengthen themselves in areas of life wherein they are weak. Indeed, having a good friend who thinks and talks straight can be a cause of joy.
18 The glorified Jesus Christ is a straight-talking heavenly Friend who directed messages to the seven congregations mentioned in Revelation, chapters two and three. Commendation was offered when appropriate, but so was admonition. For instance, the congregation at Ephesus no longer had the fervor of Christian love for Jehovah that it had at its beginning. But Jesus sought to rekindle that love. (Revelation 2:1-7) Any Ephesian Christian who prayerfully considered the counsel of this heavenly Friend and took corrective measures could continue serving Jehovah with a joyful heart. Do you personally see where you need to take some remedial steps so as to prove your love for God by improved service to Jehovah?
Rejoicing in “the Holy Work”
19. Why should every person dedicated to Jehovah regularly share the “good news” with others?
19 Another question: Are you wholeheartedly, regularly and joyfully “engaging in the holy work of the good news of God”? (Romans 15:16) No other present-day activity on earth eclipses it. Why, it is a chief reason for the very existence of the Christian congregation! (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20) So every person dedicated to Jehovah should be sharing the “good news” with others on a regular basis. And active kingdom proclaimers often have such rewarding experiences and blessings in Jehovah’s service that they are moved to “cry out joyfully.”—Psalm 90:14; Malachi 3:10.
20. Frequently, how have zealous congregation publishers having weighty Scriptural responsibilities increased their joy in Jehovah’s service?
20 Zealous congregation publishers having weighty Scriptural responsibilities frequently increase their joy by improving the quality of their service to Jehovah. Moreover, some Christian families have found real satisfaction in serving where the need for kingdom proclaimers is great. Others have enjoyed full-time witnessing work during certain months of the year, while still others have been able to share regularly in the full-time ministry. With such earnest, wholehearted efforts Jehovah is well pleased.—Mark 12:29, 30.
21. Graduates of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead have what cause for rejoicing?
21 Many Christian men and women have graduated from the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead, and they rejoice in expending their energies serving Jehovah in various parts of the earth. They are delighted to be full-time ministers who can help many to learn about Jehovah God and his wonderful purposes. For instance, after spending over two decades as a missionary in tropical West Africa, one of them wrote: “Do I feel that it is time to quit and let the younger ones take over? No, seeing the blessings and the growth of Jehovah’s organization makes me feel as did Caleb, after being preserved for more than forty-five years, through the wilderness sojourn and into the Promised Land. He said: ‘Yet I am today as strong as on the day of Moses’ sending me out. As my power was then, so my power is now.’ (Joshua 14:11) Despite the inconveniences and hardships, these past years have been excellent training and preparation for the future.”
22. What is Bethel service, and how did one privileged woman express herself?
22 Another joyous privilege, open to those who qualify, is serving at Bethel. This involves work directly associated with the publishing of Bible literature and the advancement of kingdom interests. Those thus privileged serve either as part of the Watch Tower Society’s Bethel staffs in New York State, or with such families at branch office locations worldwide. One woman, who began her full-time service in Switzerland in January 1924 and now serves as a member of the Bethel family in the Federal Republic of Germany, wrote: “I wish to thank Jehovah for all his goodness toward me, letting me spend a happy and rich life filled with wonderful opportunities in his service.” Yes, she rejoices in Jehovah’s service.
23. How can you prove Scripturally that those putting God’s service first in life have reason to rejoice?
23 Indeed, those who have put God’s service first in life always have had reason to rejoice. True, their lives have not been totally free of the problems common to humans. But Jehovah has supported them during their trials. (1 Corinthians 10:13; 2 Corinthians 4:8, 9) They have fared well because ‘the joy of Jehovah is their stronghold.’ (Nehemiah 8:10) Consider: Moses ‘chose to be ill-treated with the people of God’ and was blessed with grand privileges. (Hebrews 11:23-29) The Moabitess Ruth abandoned her people and her gods, choosing to serve Jehovah, and was rewarded by becoming an ancestress of Jesus Christ. (Ruth 1:14-17; 4:13-17; Matthew 1:1, 5) Because of their concern with true worship and their regularity at the temple, both reverent elderly Simeon and faithful aged Anna had the joy of seeing the infant Jesus there.—Luke 2:25-38.
24. On what basis can we “rejoice during all our days”?
24 So we can be confident that grand privileges and blessings will be our lot if we put Jehovah’s worship and service first in life. (Matthew 6:33) And even if hardships are encountered while doing this, we know that Jehovah “makes all his works cooperate together for the good of those who love God.” (Romans 8:28) May we, therefore, be resolved to obey our heavenly Father and serve him with a joyful heart. Surely, if we have complete love for Jehovah, we have sound reasons to ‘cry out joyfully and rejoice during all our days.’—Psalm 90:14.
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