Watchtower February 24 through March 2
[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 51 [Press play below to hear the MP3 Watchtower audio]
Song 3 Our Strength, Our Hope, Our Confidence. Based on Proverbs 14.26
1. O Jehovah, you have given us
a hope that we hold dear.
It’s a hope we find so thrilling
we want the world to hear.
But at times this life’s anxieties
are the cause of fears within,
And the hope that burned so brightly
has suddenly grown dim.
You’re our strength, you’re our hope,
you’re our confidence.
Whatever we lack, you supply.
When we preach, when we teach,
we have confidence
because it’s on you we rely.
2. So Jehovah, please instill in us
a heart that won’t forget,
For you’ve always been our comfort
when troubled times we’ve met.
And these thoughts that lift and strengthen us
can revive that dying flame,
For they fill our hearts with courage
to speak about your name.
You’re our strength, you’re our hope,
you’re our confidence.
Whatever we lack, you supply.
When we preach, when we teach,
we have confidence
because it’s on you we rely. [End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
Your Tears Are Precious to Jehovah (February 24 through March 2)
“Do collect my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not recorded in your book?” Psalm 56.8.
[Box] Focus.
How Jehovah fully understands our painful emotions and will provide us with the needed comfort. [End of box]
Question 1 and 2. What situations could make us shed tears?
1. At one time or another, we have all shed tears. When we go through situations that make us very happy, we might shed tears of joy. Perhaps you cried when something important or special happened to you, for instance, when your child was born, when you recalled a fond memory, or when you welcomed a dear friend whom you had not seen in years.
2. However, all too often, our tears reflect the pain we feel deep in our heart. For example, we might cry when someone sorely disappoints us. We might shed tears when suffering intense pain because of an unrelenting sickness or when mourning the loss of a loved one in death. At such times, we might feel as did the prophet Jeremiah when Jerusalem fell to the Babylonians. Jeremiah said: “Streams of water flow from my eyes ... My eyes weep without ceasing, without pausing.”
[Quotation] Lamentations 3.48 and 49: Streams of water flow from my eyes over the breakdown of the daughter of my people. 49 My eyes weep without ceasing, without pausing, [End Quotation]
Question 3. How does Jehovah feel when he sees his servants suffer? (Isaiah 63.9)
3. Jehovah knows how many tears we have shed as a result of distressing situations. The Bible assures us that he is aware of whatever painful situation his servants face, and he hears us when we cry out to him for help.
[Quotation] Psalm 34.15: The eyes of Jehovah are on the righteous, And his ears listen to their cry for help. [End Quotation]
But Jehovah does more than just see us and hear us. Like a loving parent, he is deeply moved when he sees his children cry, and he is eager to provide help. Read Isaiah 63.9.
[Read scripture] Isaiah 63.9: During all their distress it was distressing to him. And his own personal messenger saved them. In his love and compassion he repurchased them, And he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. [End of Read scripture]
Question 4. What can we learn from some Bible examples about Jehovah’s thinking?
4. In his Word, Jehovah reveals how he responded when his servants shed tears. We can see this by considering the examples of Hannah, David, and King Hezekiah. What made them shed tears? How did Jehovah respond to their cry for help? And how can their example comfort us when we shed tears of sorrow, betrayal, or despair?
Tears of Sorrow
Question 5. How did Hannah’s situation make her feel?
5. Hannah faced several problems that caused her to shed tears of sorrow. One of these difficulties was that she was in a bigamous marriage, and her husband’s other wife, Peninnah, despised her. As if that were not bad enough, Hannah was childless, while Peninnah had several children.
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 1.1 and 2: Now there was a man of Ramathaim-zophim of the mountainous region of Ephraim whose name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 He had two wives; one was named Hannah, and the other was named Peninnah. Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. [End Quotation]
Peninnah relentlessly taunted Hannah about her barrenness. How would you have felt in such a situation? Hannah was so upset that “she would weep and not eat,” and she became “extremely bitter” at heart.
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 1.6 and 7: Moreover, her rival wife taunted her relentlessly in order to upset her because Jehovah had not given her children. 7 That is what she would do year after year; whenever Hannah went up to the house of Jehovah, her rival would taunt her so much that she would weep and not eat. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 1.10: Hannah was extremely bitter, and she began to pray to Jehovah and to weep uncontrollably. [End Quotation]
Question 6. What did Hannah do to find comfort?
6. How did Hannah find comfort? One thing that helped her was that she went to the center of true worship, the tabernacle. There, possibly somewhere near the entrance to the courtyard of the tabernacle, “she began to pray to Jehovah and to weep uncontrollably.” She begged Jehovah: “Look upon the affliction of your servant and remember me.”
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 1.10 and 11: Hannah was extremely bitter, and she began to pray to Jehovah and to weep uncontrollably. 11 And she made this vow: “O Jehovah of armies, if you look upon the affliction of your servant and remember me and you do not forget your servant and give to your servant a male child, I will give him to Jehovah all the days of his life, and no razor will touch his head.” [End Quotation]
Hannah poured out her feelings to Jehovah in prayer. How moved Jehovah must have been to see the tears of this precious daughter of his!
Question 7. What comfort did Hannah receive by opening her heart to Jehovah?
7. How did Hannah feel after she opened her heart to Jehovah in prayer and received assurance from High Priest Eli? The account reads: “The woman went on her way and ate, and her face was no longer downcast.”
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 1.17 and 18: Then Eli answered: “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant your petition that you have asked of him.” 18 To this she said: “Let your servant find favor in your eyes.” And the woman went on her way and ate, and her face was no longer downcast. [End Quotation]
Even though her distressing situation had not yet changed, Hannah felt relieved. She had transferred the weight of her emotional burden to Jehovah. He saw her distress, heard her cry, and later blessed her by allowing her to conceive.
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 1.19 and 20: Then they got up early in the morning and bowed before Jehovah, after which they returned to their house in Ramah. Elkanah had sexual relations with his wife Hannah, and Jehovah gave attention to her. 20 Within a year Hannah became pregnant and gave birth to a son and named him Samuel, because, as she said, “it is from Jehovah that I have asked him.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 2.21: Jehovah turned his attention to Hannah, so that she could conceive; and she gave birth to three more sons and two daughters. And the boy Samuel continued growing up before Jehovah. [End Quotation]
Question 8 and 9. In line with Hebrews 10.24 and 25, why should we do all we can to attend Christian meetings? (See also picture.)
8. Lessons for us. Are you dealing with a difficult situation that causes you to shed tears of sorrow? Perhaps you are grieving the death of a family member or a friend. At such times, it is only natural to want to be alone. But just as Hannah found comfort and encouragement by going to the tabernacle, you can find comfort by attending Christian meetings, even if you are not feeling your best. (Read Hebrews 10.24 and 25.) As we listen to comforting Bible passages at meetings, Jehovah can help us replace negative thoughts with positive ones. That can help us control our emotions, even if our situation does not immediately improve.
9. At our meetings, we also enjoy wholesome association with compassionate fellow believers, whose expressions of concern and love can lift our spirits.
[Quotation] 1 Thessalonians 5.11: Therefore, keep encouraging one another and building one another up, just as you are in fact doing. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 1 Thessalonians 5.14: On the other hand, we urge you, brothers, to warn the disorderly, speak consolingly to those who are depressed, support the weak, be patient toward all. [End Quotation]
Consider the experience of a special pioneer brother who lost his wife in death. He said: “I still shed tears. Sometimes, I will sit in a corner and just cry. But our meetings have been a true source of encouragement. The beautiful expressions of my brothers and sisters are really soothing to me. No matter how anxious, or worried, I am before I arrive at the meeting, I always feel better there.” When we are at our meetings, Jehovah can use our brothers and sisters to help us.
[Read scripture] Hebrews 10.24 and 25: And let us consider one another so as to incite to love and fine works, 25 not forsaking our meeting together, as some have the custom, but encouraging one another, and all the more so as you see the day drawing near. [End of Read scripture]
[Image Alt:] Brothers and sisters at the Kingdom Hall, comforting an older brother who is sad. Caption: We can receive comfort from fellow worshippers
Question 10. How might we follow Hannah’s example when we are hurting emotionally?
10. Hannah also gained comfort by pouring out her feelings to Jehovah in prayer. You too can “throw all your anxiety on [Jehovah],” confident that he will listen.
[Quotation] 1 Peter 5.7: while you throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you. [End Quotation]
A sister whose husband was killed in an armed robbery recalled: “I felt as if my heart had been broken into tiny fragments and it would never heal. My comfort and solace came from praying to my loving heavenly Father, Jehovah. Sometimes, I couldn’t find the right words, but he understood me. When I was an emotional wreck, I would pray for peace. I could feel a calm come over my heart and mind and could then go on.” When you pour out your concerns to Jehovah, he is deeply moved by your tears of sorrow, understanding your pain of heart. Even if the cause of your anxiety remains, Jehovah can soothe your troubled heart and help you to feel a measure of peace.
[Quotation] Psalm 94.19: When anxieties overwhelmed me, You comforted and soothed me. [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Philippians 4.6 and 7: Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving, let your petitions be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus. [End Quotation]
And he will reward your faithful endurance.
[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]
Tears of Betrayal
Question 11. How did the troubling situations that David faced make him feel?
11. During his life, David had to endure several troubling situations that made him shed tears. He faced hostility from others and even betrayal by those he trusted.
[Quotation] 1 Samuel 19.10 and 11: Saul tried to pin David to the wall with the spear, but he eluded Saul, who drove the spear into the wall. David fled and escaped during that night. 11 Saul later sent messengers to David’s house to watch it and to kill him in the morning, but David’s wife Michal told him: “If you do not escape tonight, tomorrow you will be a dead man.” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 2 Samuel 15.10 through 14: Absalom now sent spies through all the tribes of Israel, saying: “As soon as you hear the sound of the horn, announce, ‘Absalom has become king in Hebron!’” 11 Now 200 men from Jerusalem had gone there with Absalom; they were invited and went unsuspectingly, unaware of what was happening. 12 Further, when he offered the sacrifices, Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilonite, David’s adviser, from his city Giloh. The conspiracy kept gaining momentum, and the people who supported Absalom were growing in number. 13 In time an informer came to David, saying: “The heart of the men of Israel has turned to Absalom.” 14 At once David said to all his servants with him in Jerusalem: “Get up, and let us run away, for none of us will escape from Absalom! Hurry, for fear he may quickly overtake us and bring disaster on us and strike the city with the sword!” [End Quotation]
[Quotation] 2 Samuel 15.30: As David was going up the Mount of Olives, he was weeping as he went up; his head was covered, and he was walking barefoot. All the people with him also covered their heads and were weeping as they went up. [End Quotation]
At one point, he wrote: “I have grown weary with my sighing; all night long I soak my bed with tears; I flood my couch with weeping.” Why did David feel that way? “Because of all those harassing me,” he explained.
[Quotation] Psalm 6.6 and 7: I have grown weary with my sighing; All night long I soak my bed with tears; I flood my couch with weeping. 7 My eye is weak from my grief; It has dimmed because of all those harassing me. [End Quotation]
The hurtful actions of others caused David such pain that his tears flowed freely.
Question 12. As indicated at Psalm 56:8, of what was David convinced?
12. Despite the adversities that David faced, he was convinced that Jehovah loved him. He wrote: “Jehovah will hear the sound of my weeping.”
[Quotation] Psalm 6.8: Get away from me, all you who behave wickedly, For Jehovah will hear the sound of my weeping. [End Quotation]
On another occasion, David made the intriguing statement that we find at Psalm 56.8. (Read) Those words paint a touching portrait of Jehovah’s tender care. David felt as if Jehovah were collecting his tears in a bottle or recording them in a book. David was sure that Jehovah noticed and remembered his pain. David was convinced that his loving heavenly Father was aware not only of what he had been through but also of how it had affected him.
[Read scripture] Psalm 56.8: You keep track of my wandering. Do collect my tears in your skin bottle. Are they not recorded in your book? [End of Read scripture]
Question 13. When others disappoint us, what can we take comfort in? (See also picture.)
13. Lessons for us. Are you coping with emotional distress caused by disappointment or by betrayal from someone you trusted? Maybe you are suffering heartache because your courtship or marriage ended unexpectedly, or maybe someone you love stopped serving Jehovah. A brother whose wife committed adultery and abandoned him said: “I was in a state of shock and disbelief. I felt useless, sad, and angry.” If you are coping with betrayal or disappointment, take comfort in knowing that Jehovah will never abandon you. The brother said: “I have come to realize that human relationships can fail, but Jehovah is our Rock. No matter what happens, he is always there. He will not leave his loyal ones.”
[Quotation] Psalm 37.28: For Jehovah loves justice, And he will not abandon his loyal ones. They will always be guarded; But the descendants of the wicked will be done away with. [End Quotation]
Remember, too, that Jehovah’s love exceeds that of any human. As painful as being betrayed by someone may be, it has no bearing on how much Jehovah cares for you.
[Quotation] Romans 8.38 and 39: For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers 39 nor height nor depth nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God’s love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. [End Quotation]
The point is: Regardless of how a person has treated you, your heavenly Father loves you.
[Image Alt:] A distressed brother clasping his wedding ring while he meditates on the experiences of King David. Caption: The book of Psalms assures us that Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted
Tears of Despair
Question 14. What assurance does Psalm 34.18 give us?
14. When coping with betrayal, we can also be comforted by David’s reassuring words found at Psalm 34.18. (Read) 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.
[Quotation] Isaiah 65.17: For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] Psalm 34.18: Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; He saves those who are crushed in spirit. [End of Read scripture]
Tears of Despair
Question 15. What situation did Hezekiah face that made him weep?
15. At the age of 39, King Hezekiah of Judah learned that he had a terminal illness. The prophet Isaiah delivered Jehovah’s message that Hezekiah would die from his sickness.
[Quotation] 2 Kings 20.1: In those days Hezekiah became sick and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came and said to him, “This is what Jehovah says: ‘Give instructions to your household, for you will die; you will not recover.’” [End Quotation]
There seemed to be no hope for Hezekiah. Devastated by the news, Hezekiah wept profusely. He prayed to Jehovah fervently.
[Quotation] 2 Kings 20.2 and 3: At that he turned his face to the wall and began to pray to Jehovah: 3 “I beg you, O Jehovah, remember, please, how I have walked before you faithfully and with a complete heart, and I have done what was good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah began to weep profusely. [End Quotation]
Question 16. How did Jehovah respond to Hezekiah’s tearful plea?
16. Jehovah was touched by Hezekiah’s tearful plea and kindly said to him: “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Here I am healing you.” Through Isaiah, Jehovah mercifully promised to extend his life and to rescue Jerusalem out of the hands of the Assyrians.
[Quotation] 2 Kings 20.4 through 6: Isaiah had not yet gone out to the middle courtyard when Jehovah’s word came to him, saying: 5 “Go back and say to Hezekiah, the leader of my people, ‘This is what Jehovah the God of David your forefather says: “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Here I am healing you. On the third day you will go up to the house of Jehovah. 6 I will add 15 years to your life, and I will rescue you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for my own sake and for the sake of David my servant.”’” [End Quotation]
Question 17. How does Jehovah sustain us when we are facing serious health challenges? (Psalm 41:3) (See also picture.)
17. Lessons for us. Are you facing a health situation that appears to be hopeless? Turn to Jehovah in prayer, even in tears. The Bible assures us that “the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort” will comfort us in all our trials.
[Quotation] 2 Corinthians 1.3 and 4: Praised be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our trials so that we may be able to comfort others in any sort of trial with the comfort that we receive from God. [End Quotation]
Today we cannot expect Jehovah to remove all our problems, but we can count on him to sustain us. (Read Psalm 41.3) By means of his holy spirit, Jehovah gives us strength, wisdom, and inner peace to cope.
[Quotation] Proverbs 18.14: A person’s spirit can sustain him through illness, But who can bear a crushed spirit? [End Quotation]
[Quotation] Philippians 4.13: For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power. [End Quotation]
He also sustains us through our Bible-based hope of seeing all forms of illness eliminated.
[Quotation] Isaiah 33.24: And no resident will say: “I am sick.” The people dwelling in the land will be pardoned for their error. [End Quotation]
[Read scripture] Psalm 41.3: Jehovah will sustain him on his sickbed; During his sickness you will completely change his bed. [End of Read scripture]
[Image Alt:] Collage: 1. A sister prays fervently while receiving chemotherapy treatment. 2. King Hezekiah supplicates Jehovah from his sickbed. Caption: Jehovah will answer our prayers by giving us strength, wisdom, and inner peace
Question 18. What scripture have you found comforting when dealing with an extremely trying situation? (See the box “Soothing Expressions to Dry Our Tears.”)
18. Hezekiah was comforted by Jehovah’s words. We can similarly find comfort in God’s Word. Jehovah has preserved soothing words that can lift our spirits when we face distressing situations.
[Quotation] Romans 15.4: For all the things that were written beforehand were written for our instruction, so that through our endurance and through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope. [End Quotation]
When a sister in West Africa was diagnosed with cancer, she often wept. She relates: “One scripture that I particularly find comforting is Isaiah 26.3.
[Quotation] Isaiah 26.3: You will safeguard those who fully lean on you; You will give them continuous peace, Because it is in you that they trust. [End Quotation]
Even though we seldom have full control over the trials we face, that verse reassures me that Jehovah can give us the kind of inner peace that helps us control how we react to the trials.” Is there a scripture that you have found especially soothing when you are facing situations that seem extremely trying, maybe even hopeless?
[Box] Soothing Expressions to Dry Our Tears. The Bible is rich with soothing expressions that reassure us that Jehovah notices our tears and will help us. Consider a few examples:
Exodus 3.7: Jehovah added: “I have certainly seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their outcry because of those who force them to work; I well know the pains they suffer.
Psalm 39.12: Hear my prayer, O Jehovah, Listen to my cry for help. Do not ignore my tears. For I am but a foreign resident to you, A traveler passing through, just like all my forefathers.
Isaiah 57.15: For this is what the High and Lofty One says, Who lives forever and whose name is holy: “I reside in the high and holy place, But also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, To revive the spirit of the lowly And to revive the heart of those being crushed.
Jeremiah 31.16: This is what Jehovah says: “‘Hold back your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, For there is a reward for your activity,’ declares Jehovah. ‘They will return from the land of the enemy.’
[End of box]
Tears of Betrayal
Question 19. What future awaits us?
19. We are living deep in the last days, and we expect that causes of tears will only increase. But as we noted from the examples of Hannah, David, and King Hezekiah, Jehovah sees the tears we shed and is deeply moved by them. Our tears are truly precious to him. So when we face distressing situations, we certainly want to pour out our heart to Jehovah in prayer. May we never isolate ourselves from our loving brothers and sisters in the congregation. And may we continue to find comfort in the soothing words recorded in the Bible. We can be sure that if we keep enduring faithfully, Jehovah will reward us. That includes the wonderful promise that in time he will wipe out every tear of sorrow, betrayal, and despair from our eyes.
[Quotation] Revelation 21.4: And he will wipe out every tear from their eyes, and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away.” [End Quotation]
Then we will shed only tears of joy.
[Box] How Did Jehovah Respond to the Tears Of ...
Hannah?
David?
King Hezekiah? [End of box]
Song 4 “Jehovah Is My Shepherd”. Based on Psalm 23
1. Jehovah God is my Shepherd;
I’ll follow where he will lead.
He knows my hopes and my heart’s desire;
He knows what I truly need.
To watered pastures he leads me,
To places secure and blessed.
And he guides me always with loyal love
To where I find peace and rest.
He guides me always with loyal love
To where I find peace and rest.
2. Refreshing are all your pathways,
The ways of your righteousness.
For your name’s sake never let me stray
From walking in faithfulness.
In valleys deep in the shadows,
Assured by your staff and rod,
I will fear no danger of lasting harm,
For you are my Friend and God.
I fear no danger of lasting harm,
For you are my Friend and God.
3. Jehovah, you are my Shepherd;
I follow where you will lead.
You strengthen me, and you give me rest;
You give all I truly need.
As you most surely are living,
So sure is my hope in you.
May your loyal love and your care for me
Pursue me my whole life through.
Your loyal love and your care for me
Pursue me my whole life through. [End of Song. Press Play below to play this song with Audio Description]
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