Study From The Watchtower, Week of February 13-19, 2023, How to Feel Peace in Times of Crisis, Underlined Answers.

Study Of The Watchtower, 13-19-February-2023, How to feel peace in moments of crisis, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Answer.

Dark Yellow: Additional Answer.

Light Blue: Additional Points.

“Do not let their hearts be distressed or discouraged” (JOHN 14:27).

1. What is “the peace of God,” and how does it benefit us? (Philippians 4:6, 7).

 THERE IS a peace this world does not know. It is about “the peace of God”, which is the calm felt by the person who has a close relationship with his heavenly Father. When we have God's peace, we feel safe (see Philippians 4:6, 7). We enjoy the friendship of those who love Jehovah and a strong friendship with the “God of peace” (1 Thess. 5:23). We have the peace of God when we know our Father, trust him and obey him. That peace soothes our hearts when we face distressing situations.

2. Why do we know that it is possible to have the peace of God?

2 Can you really feel the peace of God in moments of crisis? Is it possible to remain calm when outbreaks, emergencies, social conflicts or persecution arise? These difficulties can scare anyone. But Jesus gave this advice to his disciples: “Do not let your heart be troubled or discouraged” (John 14:27). Many brothers and sisters have done what Jesus said. With Jehovah's help, they have found peace as they have faced difficult trials.

PEACE WHEN OUTBREAKS ARISE

3. How could an epidemic or pandemic take away our peace?

3 An epidemic or pandemic can turn our lives upside down almost completely. Let's think about the effect that the COVID-19 pandemic had on many people. In one study, more than half of those surveyed said they had had sleep problems during this pandemic. There was also a considerable increase in cases of anxiety and depression, alcohol and drug use, domestic violence and suicide attempts. If there is an outbreak where you live, what can you do to control your anxiety and have God's peace?

4. Why does knowing Jesus' prophecy about the last days give us peace?

4 Jesus predicted that in the last days there would be epidemics “in one place after another” (Luke 21:11). Knowing this gives us peace. Because? Because we already knew it was going to happen, it doesn't take us by surprise. We see that events are unfolding just as Jesus said. That is why we follow the advice that he left for those who lived in the time of the end. He said: “Beware, do not be alarmed” (Matt. 24: 6).

5. (a) According to Philippians 4:8, 9, what should we ask of Jehovah when an outbreak occurs? (b) How does listening to audio recordings of the Bible help us?

5 When an outbreak occurs, it is not uncommon for us to experience uncertainty and fear. That is what happened to a sister named Desi. After her uncle, her cousin, and her doctor died of COVID-19, she was afraid of getting it and her mother, who was older than her. She was also afraid of losing her job, and she wondered where she would get the money for food and rent. She tossed these worries over and over, and she couldn't sleep. But she managed to regain peace. As? She did a). Specific prayers for Jehovah to help her calm down and think about positive things (read Philippians 4:8, 9). To “hear” Jehovah, she would play audio recordings of the Bible. She counts:  b). “The calm voices of the readers calmed my anxiety and reminded me that Jehovah cares for me” (Ps. 94:19).

ILLUSTRATION

A sister is wearing headphones or headphones and listening to an audio recording on her tablet. Bible audio recordings can help us have peace of mind during an outbreak. (See paragraph 5).

6. How can personal study and meeting attendance help us?

6 Undoubtedly, an epidemic outbreak causes many disruptions in our routine. But let's not let it affect our personal study or meeting attendance. In our publications and videos we find experiences that remind us that our brothers are going through similar problems and remain loyal to Jehovah (1 Pet. 5:9). Meetings help us fill our minds with positive biblical ideas and give us an opportunity to encourage others and receive encouragement (Rom. 1:11, 12). If we think about how Jehovah has supported his servants when they were sick, afraid, or lonely, our faith will be strengthened and we will have no doubt that he will also support us.

7. How can we imitate the apostle John?

7 Let's do everything possible to keep in touch with our brothers. An epidemic or pandemic can force us to limit physical contact with others, even when we are with our siblings. In these situations we could feel like the apostle John, who wanted to see his friend Gaius face to face (3 John 13, 14). But he admitted that for a while he would not be able to see Gaius. So he did what he could: he sent her a letter. If we couldn't see our siblings in person, a good idea would be to make a call or a video call, or send them a text message. By keeping in touch with our siblings, we fight loneliness and feel calmer. And if we see that we are very distressed?Let's talk to the elderly and accept the encouragement that they give us with so much affection (Is. 32:1, 2).

PEACE IN EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

8. How can an emergency situation steal your peace?

8 If you have been the victim of a flood, earthquake or fire, you may have been anxious for a long time. And if you have lost a loved one or property, you may have feelings of grief, sadness, or even anger. Of course, this does not mean that you love material things or that you lack faith. You went through a very difficult situation, and it may not surprise some that you react negatively (Job 1:11). But no matter how difficult our situation is, we can feel peace. Let's see how.

9. How do the words of Jesus help us to be prepared for any emergency situation?

9 In this world, some people think that they will never experience an emergency situation. But we keep in mind what Jesus said. We know that disasters will increase and that some may affect us. Jesus told his disciples that before the end there would be “great earthquakes” and other catastrophes (Luke 21:11). He also prophesied that wickedness would increase, and we see that wickedness reflected in crime, violence, and terrorist attacks (Matt. 24:12). Jesus never said that these situations would only affect those who are far from Jehovah. In fact, many faithful servants of God have suffered because of the disasters (Is. 57:1; 2 Cor. 11:25).Jehovah may not miraculously protect us from every emergency, but he will provide what is necessary to keep us calm and at peace.

10. Why do we say that preparing for an emergency situation shows that we have faith? (Proverbs 22:3).

10 In an emergency situation, it will be easier for us to remain calm if we are prepared. But wouldn't that indicate that we lack confidence in Jehovah? On the contrary. By preparing well for an emergency, we actually show that we do have faith that he will take care of us. Why do we say that? Because the Bible advises us to take precautionary measures in the face of dangers (read Proverbs 22:3).  And through magazine articles, congregation meetings, and advertisements, Jehovah's organization has been insistently telling us to prepare for any disaster.   What will we do if we trust in Jehovah? We will follow those tips now, before an emergency situation occurs.

11. What do we learn from Margaret's example?

11 Let's think about what happened to a sister named Margaret. The authorities asked her to leave the house because there was a forest fire in the area. As many people tried to flee at the same time, the roads were blocked and it was impossible to navigate them. There was a lot of smoke, and Margaret had to stay inside her vehicle. But, as she was well prepared, she managed to survive. In her purse was a map that she used to follow an alternative route. She had traveled this route before to easily escape there in an emergency. Thanks to her good preparation, she was saved from it.

ILLUSTRATION

A sister inside her car consulting a map. Bring bottles of water and other essentials. Preparing for an emergency in advance can help us survive. (See paragraph 11). 

12. Why do we follow instructions for emergencies?

12 In order to protect ourselves or maintain some order, the authorities may order a curfew or evacuation, or they may take other measures. Some people are reluctant to follow these instructions because they do not want to leave their property. But how do we Christians act? The Bible tells us: “For the Lord's sake submit to all human creation, whether to the king, as someone superior, or to the governors, as his envoys” (1 Pet. 2:13, 14). Jehovah's organization also gives us instructions to protect ourselves.He often reminds us to give seniors our updated contact information so they can reach us in an emergency. Have we given you ours? The organization may instruct us to stay home, evacuate, or get relief supplies. Or it may tell us when and how to help others. If we do not obey, we could endanger our lives and that of the elders, who are faithful men who care for us (Heb. 13:17). Margaret said, “I am convinced that following the instructions of the elders and the organization saved my life . ”

13. What do many displaced Christians do to maintain happiness and peace?

13 Because of catastrophes, wars or social conflicts, there are many displaced brothers. They do everything possible to adapt to their new situation and resume theocratic activities immediately. They continue to "declare the good news of the word," just as the early Christians did when they were scattered because of persecution (Acts 8:4). Preaching helps them think about the Kingdom, not about their problems. Thus they preserve happiness and peace.

PEACE IN THE FACE OF PERSECUTION

14. Why can persecution rob us of peace?

14 Persecution can take away many things that normally help us feel peace and happiness, such as meeting freely, preaching without restrictions, and carrying out daily activities without fear of arrest by the authorities. When these freedoms are taken away from us, we may become anxious about what will happen next. It is normal for us to feel this way. But we must be careful so that persecution does not make us lose faith, just as Jesus warned his disciples (John 16: 1, 2). So what can we do to keep the peace when we're persecuted?

15. Why shouldn't we fear persecution? (John 15:20; 16:33).

15 God's Word tells us: “All who desire to live devotedly to God in union with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted” (2 Tim. 3:12). A brother named Andrei found it difficult to accept these words when our work was banned in the country where he lives. He thought: “There are too many Witnesses here; it is impossible for them to arrest all of us.” But this did not reassure him. On the contrary, he was always overwhelmed. Instead, other brothers left the matter in Jehovah's hands and did not think that they would never be arrested. They knew that this was a possibility, and they were not as anxious as Andrei.. So he decided to follow his example and trust God completely. He soon felt peace, and now he is happy despite so many problems. We can feel that way too. It is true that Jesus told us that we would be persecuted, but he also assured us that we can be loyal (see John 15:20; 16:33).

16. What instructions should we obey when persecuted?

16 When our work is prohibited or severely restricted, the branch or elders may instruct us to protect ourselves, to continue receiving spiritual nourishment, and to continue preaching as much as possible. In that case, let's be obedient, even if we don't fully understand why we are given those instructions (James 3:17). And never give information about our brothers or the activities of the congregation to those who have no right to know (Eccl. 3:7).

17. Like the apostles, what are we determined to do?

17 One of the main reasons why Satan fights against God's people is that we have “the mission to bear witness about Jesus” (Rev. 12:17). Let's not let Satan and his world scare us. Preaching and teaching the truth despite opposition fills us with joy and peace. In the first century, when the Jewish authorities ordered the apostles to stop preaching, they were faithful and obeyed God. They kept preaching, and they were happy (Acts 5:27-29, 41, 42). Of course, when our work is restricted, we must preach wisely (Matt. 10:16). If we do our best, we will feel the peace that comes from making Jehovah happy and bringing a life-saving message to others.

ILLUSTRATION

During a lunch break, a brother talks to a co-worker and shows him a Bible text on his phone. What will help us feel peace even in difficult times? (See paragraph 17).

“THE GOD OF PEACE WILL BE WITH YOU”

18. Where does the peace we need come from?

18 Let us be sure that even in the most difficult moments we can feel peace. In those moments, we must keep in mind that the peace we need is God's, that is, the peace that only Jehovah can give us. Let's trust him when we face epidemic outbreaks, emergency situations or persecution. Let's hold on to his organization and think of the wonderful future he promises us. If we do, "the God of peace" will be with us (Phil. 4:9). In the following article, we will see what we can do to help our brothers feel the peace of God when they are going through difficulties.

HOW CAN WE FEEL PEACE IN THE FOLLOWING SITUATIONS?

When an epidemic outbreak arises.

We should make specific prayers for Jehovah to help us calm down and think about positive things as mentioned at Philippians 4:8, 9.

In our publications and videos we find experiences that remind us that our brothers are going through similar problems and remain loyal to Jehovah. 

Meetings help us fill our minds with positive Biblical ideas and give us an opportunity to encourage others and receive encouragement.

In an emergency situation.

Preaching helps us think about the Kingdom, and not about our problems. Thus we will preserve happiness and peace.

By preparing well for an emergency, we actually show that we do have faith that he will take care of us.

And through magazine articles, congregation meetings, and advertisements, Jehovah's organization has been insistently telling us to prepare for any disaster.

Faced with persecution.

We feel peace preaching and teaching the truth despite opposition.

Let's be obedient, even if we don't fully understand why we are given those instructions.

Care must be taken so that persecution does not make us lose faith, just as Jesus warned his disciples. 

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