DAILY TEXT, From today Tuesday, April 23, 2024, May your hearts not be distressed or dismayed (John 14:27).

Let us examine the scriptures every day 2024

Tuesday April 23, 2024

Let their hearts not be troubled or dismayed (John 14:27).

There is a peace that 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 the peace of God, we feel secure (Phil. 4:6, 7). We enjoy the friendship of those who love Jehovah and a strong friendship with the “God of peace” (1 Thes. 5:23). We have the peace of God when we know our Father, trust him and obey him. That peace calms our hearts when we face distressing situations. Can you really feel the peace of God in moments of crisis? Is it possible to remain calm when epidemic outbreaks, emergency situations, social conflicts or persecution arise? These difficulties can scare anyone. Many brothers and sisters have done what Jesus said in today's text. With Jehovah's help, they have found peace when facing very difficult trials. w22.12 16 paras. 1, 2.

PEACE WHEN EPIDEMIC OUTBREAKS EMERGE

How could an epidemic or pandemic take away our peace?

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

Why does it give us peace to know Jesus' prophecy about the last days?

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 events unfolding just as Jesus said. That is why we follow the advice he left for those who lived in the time of the end. He said, “Be careful, do not be alarmed” (Matt. 24:6).

According to Philippians 4:8, 9, what should we ask of Jehovah when an epidemic outbreak occurs? And how does listening to audio recordings of the Bible help us?

When an epidemic outbreak arises, it is not unusual for us to feel uncertainty and fear. That's what happened to a sister named Desi.b After her uncle, her cousin, and her doctor died of COVID-19, she was afraid of catching it and infecting her mother, who was already 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 turned those worries over and over, and she couldn't sleep. But she managed to regain peace. As? She prayed specifically that Jehovah would help her calm down and think about positive things. (Read Philippians 4:8, 9.) To “listen” to Jehovah, she played audio recordings of the Bible. She says: “The calm voices of the readers calmed my anxiety and reminded me that Jehovah cares for me” (Ps. 94:19).

How can personal study and meeting attendance help us?

Without a doubt, an epidemic outbreak causes many disruptions in our routine. But let's not let it affect our personal study or attendance at meetings. 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 Bible ideas and give us the 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.

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