DAILY TEXT, Today's Thursday May 18, 2023,  It is thanks to Jehovah's loyal love that our end has not come, because his shows of mercy never end (Lam. 3:22).

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Thursday May 18

It is thanks to Jehovah's loyal love that our end has not come, because his displays of mercy never end (Lam. 3:22).

When we face trials, we can be sure that Jehovah will help us and give us the support we need to be loyal.—2 Cor. 4:7-9. We can be confident that Jehovah will continue to show us loyal love because, as a psalm writer said, “the eyes of Jehovah are on those who fear him, on those who look for loyal love from him” (Ps. 33:18-22). Before we started serving Jehovah, we already received the love that God shows humanity in general. But, when we start to worship him, we also receive loyal love from him. That love motivates him to take us in his arms to protect us. He will always keep us close to him and fulfill the purpose that he has prepared for us. He wants us to do well in life (Ps. 46: 1, 2, 7). So whatever the problem we face, Jehovah will give us the strength we need to be faithful to him. w21. 11 7 paras. 17, 18.

What will help us if we feel overwhelmed with guilt because of mistakes we made in the past?

If we do commit a sin, it is good—and even healthy—for us to feel bad, as this can cause us to repent and take steps to correct our mistakes. But some servants of God have been overwhelmed with guilt because of mistakes they made in the past. Their hearts condemn them and convince them that no matter how much they repent, Jehovah can never forgive them. If you feel this way, it will help you to understand that Jehovah is willing to show you his loyal love.

How it benefits us: Despite our imperfections, we can serve Jehovah happily and with a clear conscience. Because? Because "the blood of his Son Jesus cleanses us from all sin" (1 John 1: 7). If we are discouraged by some defect that we have, let us remember that Jehovah is willing to forgive those who repent of his sins. Let's look at how David linked loyal love and forgiveness. He wrote: “As high as heaven is above earth, so immense is his loyal love for those who fear him. As far as the east is from the west, so far he has put our sins from us ”(Ps. 103: 11, 12). Without a doubt, Jehovah is willing to forgive us generously (Is. 55:7).

How did David describe how God's loyal love protects us?

God's loyal love protects us from any spiritual danger. In a prayer, David told Jehovah: “You are a hiding place for me; you will protect me from anguish. You will surround me with joyous cries of deliverance." And he added: “He who trusts in Jehovah is surrounded by his loyal love” (Ps. 32: 7, 10). In Biblical times, the walls that surrounded a city protected its inhabitants from enemies. In a similar way, Jehovah's acts of loyal love are like a wall that protects us from any spiritual danger. Furthermore, out of loyal love for him, Jehovah draws us to him (Jer. 31:3).

How is Jehovah's loyal love like a refuge and a stronghold?

David used another comparison to explain how God protects his people. He wrote: "God is my safe haven, the God who shows me loyal love." And he also said: “He is my loyal love and my strength, my safe haven and rescuer, my shield and the one in whom I find shelter” (Ps. 59:17; 144: 2). Why did David associate Jehovah's loyal love with a refuge and a stronghold? Because no matter where we live on earth, as long as we are his servants, Jehovah will give us all the protection we need to maintain our valuable relationship with him. Psalm 91 gives us the same guarantee. His writer assured: “I will say to Jehovah: 'You are my refuge and my strength'” (Ps. 91: 1-3, 9, 14). Moses used a similar comparison (Ps. 90:1, note). What's more, shortly before he died, he highlighted a moving detail. He wrote: “God is a refuge from ancient times; the everlasting arms of him are under you ”(Deut. 33:27). What does the phrase “his everlasting arms are under you” teach us about Jehovah?

What two blessings do we enjoy? (Psalm 136:23).

When we take refuge in Jehovah, we feel safe. Still, there may be days when we feel down and discouraged. At such times, what will Jehovah do for us? (Read Psalm 136:23.) He will put his arms under us and lovingly help us get back on our feet (Ps. 28:9; 94:18). How he benefits us: Knowing that we can always count on God's support helps us remember two blessings we enjoy. First, no matter where we live, we have a safe place to take refuge. And second, that our loving heavenly Father cares so much about us.

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