Watchtower June 15 through June 22
[For the opening song before the Public Talk, select the song number announced, on the 'Sing Out Joyfully' Page or click here]
Watchtower Study Article 15 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 30 My Father, My God and Friend. Based on Hebrews 6.10
1. Life in this world can be hard.
Life in this world can bring tears and pain.
Still ev’ry day I will say,
“My life is not in vain.”
For God is not unrighteous,
And he remembers the love I’ve shown.
So he is ever near me;
With Jehovah, I’m not alone.
Yes, God is my provider
and my protector down to the end.
Yes, Jehovah is my Father,
My God and Friend.
2. Gone are the days of my youth;
Days of calamity now are here.
Still through the eyes of my faith,
My hope is bright and clear.
For God is not unrighteous,
And he remembers the love I’ve shown.
So he is ever near me;
With Jehovah, I’m not alone.
Yes, God is my provider
and my protector down to the end.
Yes, Jehovah is my Father,
My God and Friend.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
“Drawing Near to God Is Good” for Us! (June 16 through 22)
“As for me, drawing near to God is good for me.” Psalm 73.28.
[Box] Focus.
How we can draw closer to Jehovah and the benefits that come from doing so.
Two parts: Question 1 and 2a. What effort is required to cultivate a close friendship with someone?
Question 1 and 2b. What will we discuss in this article?
1. Do you have a close friend? How did you cultivate your friendship with him? You probably spent time with him, learned about his challenges, and got acquainted with his likes and dislikes. You discovered that he has outstanding qualities that you would like to imitate. You came to love your friend.
2. Developing a close friendship with someone requires time and effort. The same can be said of cultivating a close, personal relationship with Jehovah God. This article will discuss how we can draw closer to our God and the benefits that come from doing so. First, consider why it is good to draw close to our best Friend, Jehovah.
Question 3. Why should we meditate on the benefits that come from drawing close to Jehovah? Illustrate.
3. No doubt you agree that drawing close to Jehovah is good. But meditating on exactly how good it is can motivate us to continue drawing closer to him.
[Quotation] Psalm 63.6 through 8: I remember you while upon my bed; I meditate on you during the watches of the night. 7 For you are my helper, And I shout joyfully in the shadow of your wings. 8 I cling to you; Your right hand keeps fast hold on me. [End Quotation]
For example, we know that following a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, getting sufficient rest, and drinking enough water are all good for us. Still, many do not give much thought to these things, and they neglect their health. Yet, the more often we think about how healthy habits benefit us, the more likely we will be to maintain them. Similarly, we may know that drawing near to Jehovah is good for us, but meditating on the benefits of doing so can motivate us to continue drawing closer to our Friend.
[Quotation] Psalm 119.27 through 30: Make me understand the meaning of your orders, So that I may ponder over your wonderful works. 28 I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word. 29 Remove from me the way of deception, And favor me with your law. 30 The way of faithfulness I have chosen. I recognize that your judgments are right. [End Quotation]
Question 4. As indicated at Psalm 73.28, what feelings did the psalmist express?
4. Read Psalm 73.28. The writer of Psalm 73 was a Levite appointed to serve as a musician at Jehovah’s temple. He had likely worshipped Jehovah faithfully for some time. Yet, he still felt a need to remind himself and others that “drawing near to God” was good for him and them. What are some of the benefits of doing so?
[Read scripture] Psalm 73.28: But as for me, drawing near to God is good for me. I have made the Sovereign Lord Jehovah my refuge, To declare all your works. [End of Read scripture]
“Drawing Near to God” Brings Happiness
Two parts: Question 5a. Why does drawing closer to Jehovah bring us happiness?
Question 5b. Based on Proverbs 2.6 through 16, give specific examples of how Jehovah’s wisdom can benefit and protect you personally.
[Quotation] Psalm 65.4: Happy is the one whom you choose and bring near To reside in your courtyards. We will be satisfied with the goodness of your house, Your holy temple. [End Quotation]
This is true for many reasons. For one thing, we benefit from applying the practical wisdom found in his Word, the Bible. Such wisdom protects us from bad influences and from making serious mistakes. (Read Proverbs 2.6 through 16) Appropriately, the Bible states: “Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who acquires discernment.” (Proverbs 3.13)
[Read scripture] Proverbs 2.6 through 16: For Jehovah himself gives wisdom; From his mouth come knowledge and discernment. 7 He treasures up practical wisdom for the upright; He is a shield for those walking in integrity. 8 He watches over the paths of justice, And he will guard the way of his loyal ones. 9 Then you will understand what is righteous and just and fair, The entire course of what is good. 10 When wisdom enters your heart And knowledge becomes pleasant to your soul, 11 Thinking ability will keep watch over you, And discernment will safeguard you, 12 To save you from the bad course, From the man speaking perverse things, 13 From those leaving the upright paths To walk in the ways of darkness, 14 From those who rejoice in wrongdoing, Who find joy in the perverseness of evil, 15 Those whose paths are crooked And whose entire course is devious. 16 It will save you from the wayward woman, From the smooth words of the immoral woman, [End of Read scripture]
Question 6. What caused the psalmist to lose his joy?
6. Of course, even Jehovah’s friends go through periods of sadness. The writer of Psalm 73 lost his joy when he gave in to negative thinking. He became annoyed and envious because, in his mind, bad people who did not care about God or His standards had it easy. He wrongly assumed that violent and haughty people were always richer and healthier and were even immune from suffering.
[Quotation] Psalm 73.3 through 12: For I became envious of the arrogant When I would see the peace of the wicked. 4 For they have no pain in their death; Their bodies are healthy. 5 They are not troubled like other humans, Nor do they suffer like other men. 6 Therefore, haughtiness is their necklace; Violence clothes them as a garment. 7 Their prosperity makes their eyes bulge; They have exceeded the imaginations of the heart. 8 They scoff and say evil things. They arrogantly threaten oppression. 9 They speak as if they were as high as heaven, And their tongues swagger about in the earth. 10 So his people turn aside to them, And they drink from their abundant water. 11 They say: “How does God know? Does the Most High really have knowledge?” 12 Yes, these are the wicked, who always have it easy. They keep increasing their wealth. [End Quotation]
The psalmist was so troubled that at one point he wondered if his efforts to serve Jehovah were worth it. In his sadness he exclaimed: “Surely in vain I have kept my heart pure and washed my hands in innocence.” (Psalm 73.13)
Question 7. How can we recover from bouts of sadness that can threaten our happiness? (See also picture)
7. The psalmist did not allow sadness to paralyze him. He took action. He “entered the grand sanctuary of God,” where Jehovah corrected his thinking.
[Quotation] Psalm 73.17 through 19: Until I entered the grand sanctuary of God, And I discerned their future. 18 Surely you place them on slippery ground. You make them fall to their ruin. 19 How suddenly they are devastated! How sudden is their finish as they come to a terrible end! [End Quotation]
When we are sad, Jehovah, our best Friend, knows about it. If we pray to him for guidance and accept the help he provides through his Word and the congregation, we will receive the inner strength to endure sadness. Even when we feel overwhelmed with anxieties, Jehovah will comfort and soothe us.* [Footnote] Some who struggle with prolonged distress, anxiety, or sadness may need professional help. For more information, see The Watchtower, Number 1 2023. [End of footnote]
[Quotation] Psalm 94.19: When anxieties overwhelmed me, You comforted and soothed me. [End Quotation]
[Image Alt:] A Levite standing between the copper altar and the porch of the temple.
Caption: The Levite who wrote Psalm 73 stands in “the grand sanctuary of God”
“Drawing Near to God” Gives Us Purpose and Hope
Question 8. In what other important ways is drawing near to God good for us?
8. Drawing near to God is good for us in two other important ways. First, it gives us a fulfilling purpose in life. Second, it gives us a solid hope for the future.
[Quotation] Jeremiah 29.11: “‘For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. [End Quotation]
Let us examine these benefits more closely.
Question 9. How does drawing close to Jehovah give meaning to our life?
9. Drawing close to Jehovah gives our life purpose. Many today who deny God’s existence think that life has no meaning and that eventually the human race will cease to exist. However, from our study of God’s Word, we have become convinced that God “is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.”
[Quotation] Hebrews 11.6: Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please God well, for whoever approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. [End Quotation]
Even today, we live happier lives because we are doing what we were designed to do, serve our heavenly Father, Jehovah.
[Quotation] Deuteronomy 10.12 and 13: “Now, O Israel, what is Jehovah your God asking of you? Only this: to fear Jehovah your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve Jehovah your God with all your heart and all your soul, 13 and to keep the commandments and statutes of Jehovah that I am commanding you today for your own good. [End Quotation]
Question 10. What is revealed at Psalm 37.29 regarding the future of those who hope in Jehovah?
10. For many, their hope is limited to this life, going to work, raising a family, and saving for retirement. God is not in the picture. On the other hand, Jehovah’s servants place their hope on him.
[Quotation] Psalm 25.3 through 5: Surely none who hope in you will be put to shame, But shame awaits those who are treacherous without cause. 4 Make me know your ways, O Jehovah; Teach me your paths. 5 Cause me to walk in your truth and teach me, For you are my God of salvation. In you I hope all day long. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Timothy 6.17: Instruct those who are rich in the present system of things not to be arrogant, and to place their hope, not on uncertain riches, but on God, who richly provides us with all the things we enjoy. [End Quotation]
We trust the God to whom we have drawn near, and we trust what he has promised us. Our future includes the prospect of worshipping him forever in Paradise. Read Psalm 37.29.
[Read scripture] Psalm 37.29: The righteous will possess the earth, And they will live forever on it. [End of Read scripture]
Question 11. How does drawing near to God affect us, and how does it affect him?
11. Drawing near to God is good for us in many other ways. For instance, Jehovah promises to forgive the sins of repentant ones who are close to him.
[Quotation] Isaiah 1.18: “Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us,” says Jehovah. “Though your sins are like scarlet, They will be made as white as snow; Though they are as red as crimson cloth, They will become like wool. [End Quotation]
As a result, we do not have to carry the weight of a guilty conscience because of past sins.
[Quotation] Psalm 32.1 through 5: Happy is the one whose transgression is pardoned, whose sin is covered. 2 Happy is the man whom Jehovah does not charge with guilt, In whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones wasted away because of my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me. My strength evaporated like water in the dry summer heat. 5 Finally I confessed my sin to you; I did not cover my error. I said: “I will confess my transgressions to Jehovah.” And you pardoned the error of my sins. [End Quotation]
And we have the pleasure of making Jehovah happy.
[Quotation] Proverbs 23.15: My son, if your heart becomes wise, Then my own heart will rejoice. [End Quotation]
Surely you can think of other blessings that result from a close friendship with God. How, though, can you keep drawing near to God?
How to Keep “Drawing Near to God”
Question 12. What have you done to draw closer to God?
12. If you are a baptized Christian, you have to a great extent already drawn close to Jehovah. You have learned many truths about Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, repented of your past sins, exercised strong faith in God, and endeavored to act in harmony with his will. To draw closer to God, however, we must continue doing these things.
[Quotation] Colossians 2.6: Therefore, just as you have accepted Christ Jesus the Lord, go on walking in union with him, [End Quotation]
Question 13. What three things can help us to continue drawing closer to Jehovah?
13. What will help us to keep drawing closer to Jehovah? (1) We must continue reading and studying the Bible. As we do so, our goal should be more than merely learning basic facts about God. Rather, we should try to perceive what God’s will is for us and to be governed by the principles that he has set out in his Word.
[Quotation] Ephesians 5.15 through 17: So keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, 16 making the best use of your time, because the days are wicked. 17 On this account stop being unreasonable, but keep perceiving what the will of Jehovah is. [End Quotation]
(2) We must strengthen our faith by meditating on the abundant evidence of his love for us. (3) We must continue to hate the things that offend Jehovah and to avoid friendship with people who practice such things.
[Quotation] Psalm 1.1: Happy is the man who does not walk according to the advice of the wicked And does not stand on the path of sinners And does not sit in the seat of scoffers. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Psalm 101.3: I will not set anything worthless before my eyes. I hate the deeds of those who deviate from what is right; I will have nothing to do with them. [End Quotation]
Question 14. In harmony with what is stated at 1 Corinthians 10.31, what are some of the things we can do in our daily lives to please Jehovah? (See also pictures)
14. Read 1 Corinthians 10.31. It is vital that we actively pursue the things that please Jehovah. This goes beyond what we do in the ministry and at congregation meetings. Good actions that please Jehovah include what we do in our daily life. For instance, when we are honest in all things and share what we have with others, we make Jehovah happy.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 8.21: For we ‘care for everything honestly, not only in the sight of Jehovah but also in the sight of men.’ [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 9.7: Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. [End Quotation]
He also wants us to show high regard for the gift of life. We draw closer to the Giver of life by maintaining balanced habits in eating and drinking and by caring for our health in other reasonable ways. Every effort we make to please Jehovah, even in seemingly small things, will endear us to him.
[Quotation] Luke 16.10: The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] 1 Corinthians 10.31: Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory. [End of Read scripture]
[Image:] Collage: Ways we can please Jehovah. 1. Driving safely: A brother driving a car stops at a red light. 2. Caring for ourselves: A brother takes a brisk walk outdoors. 3. Eating healthy food: A variety of healthful food in a bowl. 4. Being hospitable: A sister brings flowers and a meal to an older sister whose arm is in a sling. Caption: Driving safely, caring for ourselves by exercising and eating healthy food, and being hospitable are some ways we can please Jehovah
Question 15. How does Jehovah expect us to treat others?
[Quotation] Matthew 5.45: so that you may prove yourselves sons of your Father who is in the heavens, since he makes his sun rise on both the wicked and the good and makes it rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous. [End Quotation]
He expects us to show similar consideration for others. For example, we are “to speak injuriously of no one, not to be quarrelsome, ... displaying all mildness toward all men.”
[Quotation] Titus 3.2: to speak injuriously of no one, not to be quarrelsome, but to be reasonable, displaying all mildness toward all men. [End Quotation]
With this in mind, we do not look down on others simply because they do not share our beliefs.
[Quotation] 2 Timothy 2.23 through 25: Further, reject foolish and ignorant debates, knowing that they produce fights. 24 For a slave of the Lord does not need to fight, but needs to be gentle toward all, qualified to teach, showing restraint when wronged, 25 instructing with mildness those not favorably disposed. Perhaps God may give them repentance leading to an accurate knowledge of truth, [End Quotation]
We draw closer to Jehovah by always being kind and considerate in our dealings with all.
We Can Draw “Near to God” Even When We Stumble
Question 16. How did the writer of Psalm 73 begin to feel after some time?
16. But what if after some time, you begin to feel that you are unworthy of Jehovah’s love? As discussed, something similar happened to the writer of Psalm 73. He lamented: “My feet had almost strayed; my steps had nearly slipped.” (Psalm 73.2) By his own admission, he had become “sour” and “unreasoning” “like a senseless beast” before Jehovah.
[Quotation] Psalm 73.21 and 22: But my heart was sour, And deep inside I felt sharp pain. 22 I was unreasoning and lacked understanding; I was like a senseless beast before you. [End Quotation]
Did he conclude that because of his error, he was a lost cause, unworthy of Jehovah’s love?
Two parts: Question 17a. Even at his lowest point, what did the psalmist seem to do?
Question 17b. What lesson can we learn from his experience? (See also pictures)
17. If the psalmist felt rejected by Jehovah, the feeling must have been only momentary. It seems that at his lowest point, he recognized a need to draw closer to God, as indicated by his words: “But now I am continually with you [Jehovah]; you have taken hold of my right hand. You guide me with your advice, and afterward you will lead me to glory.” (Psalm 73.23 and 24) We too should look to Jehovah as a stabilizing rock when we feel weak or discouraged.
[Quotation] Psalm 73.26: My body and my heart may fail, But God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Psalm 94.18: When I said: “My foot is slipping,” Your loyal love, O Jehovah, kept supporting me. [End Quotation]
Even if our feet do stray temporarily, we can return to Jehovah with the assurance that he is “ready to forgive.”
[Quotation] Psalm 86.5: For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive; You abound in loyal love for all those who call on you. [End Quotation]
Especially when we are at our lowest point, we should draw closer to our God.
[Quotation] Psalm 103.13 and 14: As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those who fear him. 14 For he well knows how we are formed, Remembering that we are dust. [End Quotation]
[Image Alt:] Collage: 1. A discouraged brother sits on a bed. 2. Later, he smiles as he is greeted by a couple at a congregation meeting. Caption: When we feel spiritually weak, we should draw closer to Jehovah by getting more involved in our worship of him
“Drawing Near to God” Forever
Question 18. Why is there no limit to drawing closer to Jehovah?
18. There is no limit to how closely we can draw to Jehovah and how well we can get to know him. The Bible says that Jehovah’s ways, his wisdom, and his knowledge are “beyond tracing out.”
[Quotation] Romans 11.33: O the depth of God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How unsearchable his judgments are and beyond tracing out his ways are! [End Quotation]
Question 19. What assurance do the Psalms give us?
19. Psalm 79.13 states: “We, your people and the flock of your pasture, will give thanks to you forever; and we will declare your praise from generation to generation.” As you keep drawing near to God, you too can feel assured of receiving eternal blessings and confidently say: “God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever.”
[Quotation] Psalm 73.26: My body and my heart may fail, But God is the rock of my heart and my portion forever. [End Quotation]
[Box] How Would You Answer?
Why should we meditate on the benefits of “drawing near to God”?
In what ways is “drawing near to God” good for us?
How can we keep “drawing near to God”? [End of box]
Song 32 Take Sides With Jehovah! Based on Exodus 32.26
1. Once with confusion our sad hearts were filled,
Drinking the cup false religion distilled;
But with what happiness our hearts were thrilled
When of God’s Kingdom we heard.
Take sides with Jehovah; Make him your delight.
He’ll never forsake you; Walk on in his light.
Tell, tell the glad tidings Of freedom and peace.
His rule by Christ Jesus Will ever increase.
2. Shoulder to shoulder we stand on God’s side,
Preaching the news of his Kingdom earth wide.
Now is the time for each one to decide,
Time to take sides with our God.
Take sides with Jehovah; Make him your delight.
He’ll never forsake you; Walk on in his light.
Tell, tell the glad tidings Of freedom and peace.
His rule by Christ Jesus Will ever increase.
3. We will not fear what the Devil can do.
Trusting Jehovah will carry us through.
Though they are many and though we are few,
God is our strength and our might.
Take sides with Jehovah; Make him your delight.
He’ll never forsake you; Walk on in his light.
Tell, tell the glad tidings Of freedom and peace.
His rule by Christ Jesus Will ever increase.
[End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Secondary Articles in The Watchtower (1 Article)
Study Tip. Get the Most From the Artwork
Our publications are filled with artwork that teaches important points. How can you get the most from these visual aids?
Preview the artwork before reading the article. The images may pique your curiosity and motivate you to read the article. Just as with any appetizing dish, the eyes “taste” first. So ask yourself, ‘What do I see?’
[Quotation] Amos 7.7 and 8: This is what he showed me: Look! Jehovah was standing on a wall made with a plumb line, and there was a plumb line in his hand. 8 Then Jehovah said to me: “What do you see, Amos?” So I said: “A plumb line.” Jehovah then said: “Here I am putting a plumb line among my people Israel. I will no longer pardon them. [End Quotation]
As you read the article, think about why the artwork was chosen. Read the captions or picture descriptions if provided. Consider how the artwork relates to the subject being discussed and to your own life.
After reading, use the artwork to review the key points of the article. Try to visualize the artwork from memory and the points each image taught.
Why not review the artwork in this magazine and see if you can recall what it teaches?