DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday June 23, 2022, God has chosen my son Solomon (1 Chron. 29:1).

DAILY TEXT, Today Thursday June 23, 2022

Let's Examine the Scriptures Every Day 2022

Thursday June 23, 2022

God has chosen my son Solomon (1 Chron. 29:1).

We may wish to receive a certain theocratic assignment. But there are several reasons why it may not be granted to us, such as age, health or other factors. In cases like these, the example of King David can be of great help to us. His greatest dream was to build the temple of God; but, when he found out that he had not been chosen for that privilege, he gave his full support to the person whom God had chosen. He even contributed a large amount of gold and silver. What an excellent example he set for us! (2 Sam. 7:12, 13; 1 Chron. 29:3-5). Due to health problems, a brother from France named Hugues had to stop being an elder. He couldn't even attend to the simplest chores around his house. He writes: “At first, I broke down and felt like I was useless. But over time I learned to accept my limitations and be happy with what I could do in my service to Jehovah. I am like Gideon and his 300 men: though I am weary, I will continue to fight” (Judges 8:4). w20.12 25 paras. 14, 15

How can someone who has a relapse feel?

If someone is trying very hard to get over a deep-seated addiction and has a relapse, they can feel very discouraged. Of course, if we commit a sin, it is normal for us to feel guilty (2 Cor. 7:10). But we must not go to the extreme of condemning ourselves and thinking: “I am a complete disaster; Jehovah will never forgive me.” This idea is wrong and can cause us to abandon Jehovah. Also, let's remember what Proverbs 24:10 says: if we lose heart, our strength will fail. Instead, let's “make things right” with Jehovah by praying for his forgiveness (Isa. 1:18). He will see that we are sorry from the heart and he will forgive us. On the other hand, let us talk to the elders, and they will patiently help us to recover spiritually (Jas. 5:14, 15).

If we are struggling with a weakness, why shouldn't we get discouraged?

An elder in France named Jean-Luc tells those who struggle with a weakness: “For Jehovah, the righteous person is not the one who is never wrong, but the one who is always sorry and strives to change” (Rom. 7 :21-25). So let's not think that we are a basket case. Let us remember that we all make mistakes, but Jehovah approves of him because of his undeserved kindness and through his ransom.​—Eph. 1:7; 1 John 4:10.

When we need encouragement, who can we turn to?

When we need encouragement, we can turn to our brothers, our spiritual family. They will be there to comfort and listen to us when we need it (Prov. 12:25; 1 Thess. 5:14). A Nigerian sister named Joy, who has struggled with discouragement, says: “What would I be without my brothers? They are proof that Jehovah hears my prayers. They have even taught me to cheer up those who are sad.” Of course, the brothers will not always realize that we need encouragement. So maybe we should take the initiative and talk to a mature brother or sister for help.

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