Watchtower Study, Week of December 9-15, 2024, Jehovah “Heals the Brokenhearted,” Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, December 9-15, 2024, Jehovah “Heals the Brokenhearted,” Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Answer

Celeste: Extra Points

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (PS. 147:3).

1. How does Jehovah view his servants?

JEHOVAH is very aware of everything that happens to us. He knows well our joys and our sorrows. (Ps. 37:18) When he sees us doing our best to serve him even in times of distress, he is very proud of us. But that is not all; he wants to support and comfort us.

2. What does Jehovah do for the brokenhearted, and what do we need to do to benefit from all his care?

2 Speaking of “the brokenhearted,” Psalm 147:3 says that Jehovah “binds up their wounds.” This scripture describes how Jehovah tenderly cares for those who are emotionally wounded. What do we need to do to benefit from all the care he gives us? Let’s take an example. If a person has a wound, he can go to a good doctor. But to get well, he will have to follow all his instructions to the letter. In this article, we will look at what Jehovah says in his Word to those who have an emotional wound and how to put into practice the advice he gives with such love.

JEHOVAH ASSURES US THAT WE ARE WORTH A LOT

3. Why do some people have low self-esteem?

3 Unfortunately, we live in a world where love has been lost. Many people treat others badly and make them feel worthless. A sister named Helen tells us: “I grew up in a family where there was no love. My father was violent and he told us day after day that we were worthless.” Has something similar happened to you? Maybe you were treated badly, criticized harshly over and over again, or made to feel like you didn’t deserve to be loved. If so, you may find it hard to believe that there is anyone who really cares about you.

4. What does Jehovah assure us in Psalm 34:18?

4 Even if others have treated you badly, you can be sure that Jehovah loves and values ​​you. He “is close to the brokenhearted.” —See Psalm 34:18. If you are one of “those who are discouraged,” remember that Jehovah saw good things in your heart and wanted you to be his servant.—John 6:44. He will always be there to help you because he loves you so much.

5. What do we learn from the way Jesus treated people who suffered contempt from others?

5 Jesus’ example helps us better understand Jehovah’s feelings. While on earth, Jesus noticed and showed compassion for people who were being looked down upon by others. (Matt. 9:9–12) When a woman suffering from a serious illness touched his clothes in the hope of getting better, Jesus comforted her and praised her for her faith. (Mark 5:25–34) Jesus is the living reflection of his Father. (John 14:9) So you can be sure that Jehovah values ​​you and notices your good qualities, such as your faith and your love for him.

6. What can we do if we feel worthless?

6 What can you do if you can’t stop thinking about your worthlessness? Read and meditate on Bible scriptures that confirm that Jehovah values ​​you. —Ps. 94:19. b If you fell short of a goal or can’t do as much as others, don’t get discouraged or be too hard on yourself. Jehovah is reasonable and doesn’t expect more from you than you can do. —Ps. 103:13, 14. If you’ve been mistreated or abused, don’t blame yourself for what someone else did to you. It wasn’t your fault and you didn’t do anything to deserve it. Remember that Jehovah will hold those who do wrong accountable—not the victims. —1 Pet. 3:12. Sandra, who was abused as a child, says: “I constantly ask Jehovah to help me see the good qualities he sees in me.”

An Israelite holds a sparrow in his hands.

You are worth a lot to Jehovah

The following scriptures clearly demonstrate how much Jehovah values ​​you:

Psalm 56:8. Jehovah notices every tear you shed when you are sad. He cares deeply about how you feel.

Luke 12:6, 7. Even a sparrow is precious to Jehovah. So imagine how much you are valuable to him. He loves you so much that he cares deeply about you and knows you in every detail.

1 John 3:19, 20. If your heart tells you that you are worthless, remember that Jehovah “is greater” than your heart and that He considers you very valuable.

7. How can we use what we have experienced in the past to serve Jehovah?

7 Although you may find it hard to believe, Jehovah can use you to help others. He has given you the honor of working with him in the preaching work. (1 Cor. 3:9) Because of your past experiences, you are likely more empathetic and understanding of other people’s feelings. You can do much good for them. Helen, mentioned in paragraph 3, received help and is now better able to help others. She says: “I used to feel like a nobody, but Jehovah has made me feel loved and useful.” Helen is a regular pioneer and very happy.

JEHOVAH WANTS US TO ACCEPT HIS FORGIVENESS

8. What does Jehovah assure us in Isaiah 1:18?

8 Some of Jehovah’s servants still feel very bad about the sins they committed in the past, whether before or even after they were baptized. But let us remember that Jehovah provided the ransom out of his deep love for us. So we can be sure that he wants us to accept his gift. Jehovah tells us: “Come and let us straighten things out between us.” And he assures us that once we have done that, he will completely forgive our sins. (See Isaiah 1:18.) We are so thankful that our loving Father forgets the bad things we did in the past but never forgets the good things we have done. —Ps. 103:9, 12; Heb. 6:10.

9. Why is it good for us to focus on the present and the future, and not on the past?

9 What can help you if you are tormented by past mistakes ? Try to focus on the present and the future. Consider the example of the apostle Paul . He regretted having cruelly persecuted Christians, but he knew that Jehovah had forgiven him. (1 Tim. 1:12–15) So he did not dwell on his past sins or on his accomplishments in Judaism. (Phil. 3:4–8, 13–15) Instead, he preached with enthusiasm and focused on the future. Like Paul, you cannot change the past. But you can focus on honoring Jehovah in your present circumstances and on the wonderful future he has promised you.

10. What can we do if we have hurt other people?

10 You may feel bad if the things you did caused harm to others. What can you do? Apologize from your heart and do your best to make amends. (2 Cor. 7:11) Ask Jehovah to help those who were hurt by your actions. He can help you and them move forward and find peace.

11. What do we learn from Jonah's example? (See also the image.)

11 Learn from your mistakes and let Jehovah use you as he sees fit. Remember the prophet Jonah. Instead of going to Nineveh as God had commanded him, Jonah ran in the opposite direction. Jehovah corrected him, and the prophet learned his lesson. (Jonah 1:1–4, 15–17; 2:7–10) Jehovah did not stop using Jonah. Instead, he gave him another chance to go to Nineveh, and this time Jonah obeyed without question. Although he regretted what he had done, he did not let it stop him from accepting Jehovah’s new assignment. (Jonah 3:1–3)

ILLUSTRATION

The prophet Jonah stands on the seashore, looking up at the sky. He is soaked. When Jehovah caused the great fish to let Jonah go, he again told him to go to Nineveh to tell his message. (See paragraph 11.)

JEHOVAH COMFORTS US THROUGH HIS HOLY SPIRIT

12. How does Jehovah give us peace when we suffer misfortune or go through a traumatic situation? (Philippians 4:6, 7)

12 When we suffer misfortune or go through a traumatic situation, Jehovah uses his holy spirit to comfort us. That’s what Ron and Carol experienced when their adult son sadly committed suicide. They say: “It wasn’t the first time we had faced a difficult situation, but this was certainly the worst of all. Because we couldn’t sleep many nights, we prayed to Jehovah and felt the peace spoken of in Philippians 4:6, 7” (read it). If you’re going through a very difficult trial and feel like your heart is broken, tell Jehovah everything you feel. You can talk to him as many times and for as long as you want. (Ps. 86:3; 88:1) Don’t tire of asking for his holy spirit. Rest assured that he will listen to your prayers. (Luke 11:9-13)

13. How can the holy spirit help us to continue serving Jehovah faithfully? (Ephesians 3:16)

13 Have you been through a difficult trial and now feel that you have no strength left? Holy spirit can give you the strength you need to continue serving Jehovah faithfully. (See Ephesians 3:16.) Consider the experience of a sister named Flora. She and her husband were missionaries, but he was unfaithful to her and they divorced. Flora explains: “His betrayal caused me anguish that consumed me day and night. So I asked Jehovah to give me his holy spirit to help me cope. Jehovah healed my wound and helped me overcome the situation even though at first I thought I would not be able to.” She feels that God has helped her to trust him even more and is convinced that he will support her no matter what happens. She adds: “Jehovah did for me what is said in Psalm 119:32: ‘I will diligently follow the way of your commandments, for you make room in my heart for it. ’”

14. What can we do to receive the spirit of God?

14 After you ask Jehovah for holy spirit, what should you do? Participate in activities that will help you receive that spirit, such as attending Bible meetings and the preaching service. Read the Bible every day, and you will be able to fill your mind with thoughts of Jehovah. (Phil. 4:8, 9) As you read, look for people who faced difficulties, and consider how Jehovah helped them endure. Sandra, mentioned in paragraph 6, went through many serious problems. She says: “The story of Joseph always touches my heart. He did not let the trials and injustices he suffered weaken his friendship with Jehovah.”—Gen. 39:21-23.

JEHOVAH COMFORTS US THROUGH OUR BROTHERS

15. Who can give us comfort, and in what ways? (See also the image.)

15 When we are hurting, our spiritual family can be “a source of great comfort.”—Col. 4:11. Jehovah uses our siblings to show us how much he loves us. They can comfort us by listening sympathetically or by being there for us. They may encourage us with a scripture or pray with us. (Rom. 15:4) A brother or sister may remind us of Jehovah’s view of things, helping us to stay balanced and calm. Siblings can also help us by doing other things, such as bringing us food.

ILLUSTRATION

Two elderly people visit a sister in the hospital. They have their Bibles open as they talk to her. Mature, trusted friends are a great support and comfort. (See paragraph 15.)

16. What might we need to do to receive help from others?

16 To get help, you may have to ask for it. Siblings love you and want to help you (Prov. 17:17). But they may not know how you feel or what you need (Prov. 14:10). If you’re going through a rough time emotionally, find mature friends to unburden yourself to. It’s good to let them know what they can do for you. You can talk to one or two trusted elders. And some sisters feel comfortable talking to another mature sister.

17. What things can prevent us from receiving encouragement, and how can we fight against them?

17 Try not to isolate yourself. If you’re very sad, you may not feel like being with anyone. Brothers and sisters may not understand you or may say something out of line. —James 3:2. Don’t let that make you reject the much-needed encouragement offered. An elderly man named Gavin , who suffers from depression , says, “Often the last thing I want to do is be with friends.” Still, he makes an effort to be with others, and it often makes him feel better. A sister named Amy says, “Because of what I’ve been through, I find it hard to trust people. But I’m learning to love and trust my brothers and sisters, just as Jehovah does. That makes him happy and makes me happy, too . ”

JEHOVAH'S PROMISES FOR THE FUTURE COMFORT US

18. What wonderful future awaits us, and what can we do now?

18 What a joy it is to know that Jehovah will soon heal us physically and emotionally and remove all that causes us pain. (Rev. 21:3, 4) In the new world, the things that hurt us will no longer “come to the heart.” (Isa. 65:17) As we have seen, Jehovah binds up our wounds even now. He has lovingly given us many things to comfort and soothe us. So take advantage of them! Don’t doubt for a moment: Jehovah loves you very much . (1 Pet. 5:7)

WHAT WOULD YOU RESPOND?

How does Jehovah help us when we feel worthless?

Jehovah assures us that we are worth a lot, reminds us that he loves us, has done so much for us and will continue to do so. He has given us the son of his love so that we can get closer to him.

How does Jehovah help us when we feel bad about some past sin?

Jehovah gives us reminders to avoid sin, but He also gives us advice and discipline. Experiencing the consequences may bring us to our senses. Jehovah gives us the ransom that enables us to serve Him with a clear conscience.

How does Jehovah use our brothers to comfort us?

Jehovah, through his organization, constantly reminds all congregations worldwide that we should not be indifferent or insensitive to the needs of our brothers. He can move the brothers to visit and help those who need it.