“For me, drawing near to God is good for me” (Ps. 73:28).
1, 2. a) What does it take to have a good friend?
Having a good friend takes time and effort. It involves spending time with that person, learning about their experiences, and learning what they like and dislike. It also means observing their admirable qualities and, over time, developing a deep affection for them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
To have a good friend, the first thing we have to do is get to know him, see his qualities and how he behaves, so that we can become good friends with him.
To do that, we'll have to make an effort to spend a lot of time with that person. We must also observe whether they have such beautiful qualities that we want to copy them, and, over time, grow to love them deeply.
1, 2. b) What will we see in this article?
In this article, we'll look at how we can grow closer to Jehovah, our best friend. But first, let's talk about why it's good to do so.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Let's see why it is good to draw close to Jehovah and have a good friendship with Him.
3. Why should we meditate on the benefits of drawing close to Jehovah? Give an example.
We should meditate on the benefits of drawing closer to Jehovah because this motivates us to strengthen our relationship with Him.
For example, although many people know that eating healthy, exercising, and getting enough rest are good for them, they often neglect them. However, those who regularly reflect on the benefits of these habits are more likely to maintain them.
Similarly, thinking about how to draw closer to Jehovah gives us peace, strength, and happiness. It motivates us to dedicate time and effort to cultivating our friendship with Him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Because meditating on them will encourage us to draw ever closer to Jehovah.
Psalm 63 tells us that the psalmist meditated during the night watches. As he did so, he reflected and realized that Jehovah was his helper, his clinging to him, and that his right hand held him firmly. Therefore, when we meditate and think about all that Jehovah does for us, it strengthens our relationship with Him.
We all know that resting, eating healthy, and exercising are very good for our health. However, there are people who, even knowing this, don't do it. Those who do are those who meditate and realize the benefits of doing so. The same is true for Jehovah: meditating and reflecting on the benefits this brings us is what will draw us closer to Him.
Psalm 119:30 says: "I have chosen the way of faithfulness; I know that your judgments are right." So, we have made the decision; we have chosen the path of serving Jehovah. And we know that if we abide by his righteous standards, put into practice everything he tells us, and meditate on it, we can reap many benefits. This will encourage us each day to draw closer to him.
Psalm 119:28 says, "I have been sleepless for sorrow; strengthen me according to your promise." This clearly shows that we should trust in Jehovah at all times. So Jehovah is always near us, as long as we do what He says.
4. What did the psalmist express in Psalm 73:28?
As a Levite and temple musician, he recognized, after years of faithful service, the importance of maintaining a close relationship with Jehovah and wanted others to appreciate the benefits of this friendship as well.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
He emphasized that drawing closer to Jehovah has benefits, that it is a good thing, and that is what we need to remember.
The psalmist had likely been faithfully serving Jehovah in the temple and as a musician for many years. In Psalm 73:28, he said, "But as for me, drawing near to God is good for me." We see that this was a constant, and that no matter how close we think we are, we always need to keep drawing near to Him.
The psalmist also says that, for him, Jehovah was like a refuge, and therefore he benefited. Therefore, we should meditate on the benefits we receive in every way.
Perhaps, before eating a dish—even if we don't like it—we can think about the benefits, how it will help us. Instead of eating junk food, we choose something good. We should do something similar: think about the benefits, even if it requires effort, of bringing us closer to Jehovah. Thinking about those benefits greatly encourages us to make that personal decision.
GETTING CLOSER TO GOD MAKES US HAPPY
5. (a) Why does it make us happy to draw near to Jehovah?
Drawing close to Jehovah makes us happy because when we follow the wise counsel he gives us in his Word, we thrive in life. His guidance leads us to positive results and greater satisfaction.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
One reason is that the advice He gives is always wise. So, if we put it into practice, it will do us good. For example, Proverbs 2:7 says that they will be like a "shield"; they will protect us, and that's what we need.
Furthermore, wisdom protects us from bad influences and helps us avoid making serious mistakes.
5. b) In what ways does Jehovah’s wisdom help and protect you? (Proverbs 2:6-16)
The wisdom of Jehovah, according to Proverbs 2:6-16, helps and protects me by giving me discernment to avoid bad influences and not make serious mistakes.
It guides me in making right decisions, protects me from wicked paths and people who promote immorality or dishonesty, and enables me to live righteously, which brings me peace and spiritual security.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Proverbs 2:10 says, "When wisdom enters your heart and knowledge becomes pleasant to your soul, your thoughtfulness will watch over you." What does this mean? We must first acquire wisdom, understand Jehovah's wisdom, have it in our hearts, and then develop discernment, the thoughtfulness, so that we can put into practice what we are learning.
When it comes to making decisions, we often find a specific command from Jehovah, but other times there isn't. Still, as Proverbs 2:9 says, we can understand what is just and right because Jehovah offers us many principles: those fundamental truths that, when we read a Bible account, allow us to identify Jehovah's thoughts on the matter and make the best decision.
The paragraph speaks of protection against bad influences and avoiding making serious mistakes. Sometimes, we can reflect on our lives and think: What would have happened if we hadn't known Jehovah? Most of us know brothers and sisters or people in the world who have led lives parallel to ours, either because they weren't Witnesses and had disastrous or very sad lives, or, even though they were Witnesses, they made mistakes. Perhaps this was because they didn't apply the Bible's counsel. And this makes us very happy: following Jehovah's standards.
The text says that wisdom is practical for those who are upright, and it is a shield for those who live with integrity. And this makes us think that, when we face a problem, perhaps our innermost being tells us to react one way, but Jehovah tells us to react another way. When you do what Jehovah tells you and put aside what you would do, then you feel better, because you feel Jehovah helping you to be a better person.
6. Why did the psalmist lose his joy?
The psalmist lost his joy because he felt frustrated and bitter at the thought that the wicked, who did not respect Jehovah or his standards, had an easier life, being rich, healthy, and without suffering.
This misperception led him to envy them and question whether it was worth keeping his heart pure and serving Jehovah, which plunged him into sadness and doubt.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We know that the writer of Psalm 63 was a Levite, and that the Levites had the great honor of serving Jehovah in the place where He was worshipped. But he still became discouraged because he began to envy the wicked. It wasn't that he wanted to do the evil things they did, but he was attracted to the "good life" they led.
Perhaps these are thoughts that many of us, at some point in our lives, have had: that arrogant people find peace because they don't care about what they do, they live only for themselves, and don't feel burdened. Even when they resort to violence, they often seem to get away with it.
The psalmist felt this way too, because he hadn't really reflected on what it's like in the long run and on the blessings he already had. He even went so far as to say, "It's clear that it wasn't worth it to keep my heart pure and to wash my hands in innocence." But thankfully, he later took steps to change.
7. How can we regain joy when we go through a period of sadness? (See also the image.)
When we are sad, we can regain joy by drawing closer to Jehovah through prayer, studying His Word, and congregation. Just as the psalmist sought God's guidance in His sanctuary, we too receive comfort and strength to carry on.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Like the psalmist, who went to God's magnificent sanctuary, and there Jehovah corrected his way of thinking, we, who are also often saddened by various circumstances, need to approach Jehovah, ask for his help, and accept it, because He gives it to us through the congregation and through the Bible.
The problem isn't that this happens, because it's normal: we can go through periods of sadness. The question is what we're going to do in that case. Well, as the image shows, the psalmist drew near to Jehovah, sought a way to be closer to Him, and this was definitely a great help. Because, as Psalm 94:19 shows, this can also happen to us: Jehovah can reassure us and help us.
Sometimes we may experience anguish or sadness that lasts for a very long time, and it's not something we can control on our own. So we should ask or request help from Jehovah.
We see how the psalmist solved the problem: instead of complaining to others and discouraging them with his ideas, he didn't do that, but went to Jehovah's temple. There he meditated and reflected on all the good things he had for serving Jehovah. Over time, he also realized that the wicked are on slippery ground, that they too will have problems and face the consequences of their actions.
It wasn't the first time the psalmist had gone to the temple, but this time he was carrying a heavy emotional burden, and surely this time he saw it through different eyes than he normally would. Doesn't it happen to us too? When we read a passage we've perhaps read before, but this time we focus on our problem, then we see it differently.
ILLUSTRATION
A Levite, standing between the copper altar and the temple porch.
The Levite who wrote Psalm 73, “in the magnificent sanctuary of God.” (See paragraph 7.)
Getting closer to God gives us a full life and hope.
8. In what other ways does drawing closer to God benefit us?
Drawing close to God benefits us in two important ways: It gives us a full life, meaning it gives meaning and purpose to our existence, and it gives us firm hope for the future, as Jeremiah 29:11 promises.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It gives us a full life and a firm hope for the future.
Jeremiah 29:11 says, “I know what I have in mind for you,” declares Jehovah. “I want you to have peace, not calamity. I want to give you a future and a hope.” So, in this way, it benefits us to draw close to Jehovah.
9. Why does drawing close to Jehovah give meaning to our lives?
Drawing close to Jehovah gives true meaning to our lives, because we know that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Unlike those who deny the existence of God and feel that life lacks purpose, by worshipping and serving Him we satisfy the spiritual need with which we were created, and that gives us a full and happy life.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Since He is our Creator, He made us with the need to worship Him. Therefore, since we worship and serve Him, we can have a full and happy life.
Deuteronomy 10:2, 3 mentions that if we obey his commandments and statutes, we will do well in life. Therefore, knowing that Jehovah wants our well-being gives meaning to our lives.
As Hebrews 11:6 says, we must come to Jehovah and believe that He exists; that's what matters, and He will reward us. So that's what we must do: seek Him, and He will reward us.
We see how the paragraph compares those who don't believe in God with those who do. It points out that those who don't believe in God don't know the meaning of life, because they don't know where they're going or what their hope is. On the other hand, those of us who believe in God, convinced that He exists and rewards those who earnestly seek Him, have a clear hope.
Jehovah created us with needs, like eating and sleeping. If we were to deny these needs and decide to stop doing them, things wouldn't go well for us. In fact, if we take too long to sleep or eat, we get grumpy. Well, Jehovah also created us with a spiritual need: the need to serve him. And if we don't do that, things won't go well for us either.
When we serve Jehovah, when we draw close to Him, we fulfill the purpose of our existence, basically. And that, obviously, brings us absolute happiness. That's why people who don't know Jehovah try to seek happiness in many ways, but they don't find it, because, obviously, they are not serving Him.
10. According to Psalm 37:29, What future awaits those who trust in Jehovah?
For those who trust in Jehovah, the wonderful hope of living forever on an earth transformed into a paradise awaits us. We know that Jehovah will fulfill his promise that the righteous will possess the earth and live there forever, as Psalm 37:29 says.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
As we have read in Psalm 37:29, those of us who trust in Jehovah and place our hope in Him will have the privilege of being able to worship Him forever and of living in the new world.
The paragraph mentions that for people who don't have God in their lives, it's an empty life in a way, because it's all about working, raising children, and saving for retirement, but they're not really happy.
Those of us who trust in Jehovah have a wonderful hope. As the Psalm says: “The righteous will inherit the land and live there forever.” This is a wonderful future that the people of the world, who do not believe in Jehovah, cannot understand.
11. How does it benefit us to draw closer to God, and how does he feel when we do so?
Drawing close to God benefits us in many ways. For example, He promises to forgive our sins if we repent, which frees us from the burden of guilt and gives us peace of mind.
Furthermore, by seeking Him and living according to His standards, we bring joy to Jehovah's heart, which fills us with satisfaction and strengthens our relationship with Him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Furthermore, we make Jehovah's heart glad, and that fills us with satisfaction. Being Jehovah's friend surely brings many blessings.
Drawing near to Jehovah teaches us how He views things. Isaiah 1:18 shows Jehovah's invitation to draw near to Him, and that He will also help us have a clear conscience, because we know He can forgive our sins.
This can have a powerful effect on us. In the paragraph, we also find the example of King David, in Psalm 32:1-5, when he explains how he felt because of the burden of his sins. He felt as if his bones were wasting away or his strength was evaporating, as if he were in the middle of summer. We can avoid all of this by drawing near to Jehovah and receiving his forgiveness.
We have seen that it makes us very happy, gives meaning to our lives and gives us hope for the future.
WHAT TO DO TO GET CLOSER TO GOD
12. What should you do to get closer to God?
To grow ever closer to God, we must continue to learn about Him and His Son, strengthen our faith, repent of our mistakes, and strive to obey His standards. In this way, we keep our friendship with Jehovah alive and strong.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We shouldn't assume that if we're already baptized, have learned many things about Jehovah and Jesus, and have repented of our sins, we're already close to Jehovah. On the contrary, as Colossians says, we must remain in union with God. And that's what we should do: keep striving to draw ever closer to God.
No matter how close we are to Jehovah, we can always get closer.
One reason is that we always have things to learn and put into practice. It's not just a matter of saying, "I know Jehovah," but rather asking ourselves: What is Jehovah asking of me, as a person, at this moment?
13. What three things will help us draw ever closer to Jehovah?
1. Read and study the Bible deeply: We must continue to study God's Word, not only to know the basics, but to understand His will and live according to His principles.
2. Strengthen Faith: Meditating on Jehovah's Love. Reflecting on the evidence of Jehovah's love for us strengthens our faith and motivates us to stay close to Him.
3. Hate what offends Jehovah: We must reject things that displease God and avoid friendships with people who practice them.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
One of them is that we must continue reading and studying the Bible, but not just learning the basics. We must achieve what Ephesians says: we want to understand Jehovah's will and live according to his principles. To do this, we must deepen our study and meditation of the Bible.
Another is that we should strengthen our faith by meditating on all the evidence of Jehovah's love for us.
Finally, we must continue to hate things that offend Jehovah and not befriend people who practice them.
For example, what Psalm 1:1 says, which speaks of not following the advice of the wicked. So we should not associate with the wicked.
We must not behave like fools, but be wise. And one way to be wise is to make good use of our time, not waste it on things that don't contribute anything to our lives, but rather concentrate on our study of the Bible, delve deeper into it, and thus grow in wisdom.
The study note also explains that behaving like fools doesn't mean doing foolish things, but rather refers to following the wisdom of the world. Many people often confuse wisdom with that taught in the world, but in reality, the wisdom we're interested in is God's wisdom, which is what makes us truly happy.
14. What can we do in our daily lives to please Jehovah? (1 Corinthians 10:31; see also the pictures.)
In our daily lives, we can please Jehovah by being honest, generous, and responsibly caring for our health. Even in small ways, such as the way we eat or treat others, we show that we want to do what pleases Him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We must be honest in every aspect of our lives and at all times. We must also generously share what we have.
The apostle Paul tells us that it's not just about attending meetings or preaching. He mentions in First Corinthians that even when we eat and drink, we can also honor Jehovah. By doing so in moderation, we make Jehovah happy.
Jehovah is pleased even with the small things we do in our daily lives. That's important, because Luke 16:10 says that "a person who is faithful in a very little thing is faithful also in much, and a person who is unjust in a very little thing is unjust also in much."
As the image shows, when we drive, we also have to demonstrate, as First Corinthians says, that it's all for the glory of Jehovah. And it's true that driving sometimes causes stress and can bring out the worst in each of us, so we must learn to control it.
As the image shows, when the traffic light is red, if you were to cross or continue, you would cause an accident. So, this means that obeying traffic signs benefits us, and in doing so, we honor and bring joy to Jehovah.
The image shows a man taking care of his health by exercising, because our bodies are very precious. Jehovah has designed them magnificently, and since he has given us this beautiful gift—our bodies and our lives—we must take care of them.
The image shows a perfectly balanced plate, which has everything the body needs in terms of nutrients. This also shows that if we eat well and healthily, we are taking care of our bodies.
In the image, we see that the sister not only brings flowers, but also food for the sister who couldn't cook because her arm was injured. So we should always think about the siblings around us and help them in any way we can.
Small, everyday things, like driving safely, taking care of your health with exercise and healthy eating, and being generous. These actions may seem small, but they are very pleasing to Jehovah.
ILLUSTRATION
Pictures of things we can do to please Jehovah. 1. Drive safely: A brother driving a car stops at a red light. 2. Take care of our bodies: A brother walks briskly through a park. 3. Eat healthy food: A plate with several healthy foods. 4. Be generous: A sister brings flowers and food to an older sister whose arm is immobilized.
Driving safely, taking care of your health with exercise and healthy eating, and being generous with others are some ways to please Jehovah. (See paragraph 14.)
15. How does Jehovah expect us to treat others?
Jehovah expects us to treat others with kindness and respect, without speaking ill of anyone or being confrontational. By being gentle with everyone, we demonstrate humility and reflect his beautiful way of treating people, which brings us closer to him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Jehovah wants his servants not to speak ill of anyone, not to be contentious, and to be gentle with everyone.
As Matthew 5:45 says, we should not consider whether they are just or unjust; we should treat everyone equally, with kindness. Just as Jehovah makes the sun rise and the rain fall on everyone, whether they are just or unjust.
Although we believe, as Paul told Timothy, that we have attained an accurate knowledge of the truth, we do not consider ourselves superior to others because of that fact. Rather, we teach those who do not have a good attitude with gentleness, Paul says. Even if they do not share our beliefs, we do not feel superior.
WHEN WE ARE WEAK WE CAN ALSO GET CLOSER TO GOD
16. How did the writer of Psalm 73 feel at a certain point in his life?
At one point in his life, the writer of Psalm 73 felt despondent and confused. He came to believe that his efforts to serve Jehovah were pointless and allowed bitterness and negative thoughts to dominate him. He acknowledged that he had nearly strayed, feeling irrational and unworthy of God's love because of his weaknesses and imperfections.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Psalm 73:21-22 says he was bitter and unreasonable, and that before Jehovah he felt like an unreasonable animal. But Jehovah didn't see it that way. Rather, because of his imperfection, he thought that way; yet, to Jehovah, he was very valuable.
He probably felt as if he didn't deserve Jehovah's love, that he was hopeless and a lost cause.
17. a) What did the psalmist appear to have done when he hit rock bottom?
Apparently, when he hit rock bottom, the psalmist decided to turn to Jehovah. He recognized that God had always been with him, holding his hand and guiding him with advice. Instead of remaining trapped in his negative thoughts, he sought refuge in Jehovah, who strengthened him and restored his hope.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
That's when he came to his senses and realized that he had to cling to Jehovah again and draw close to him.
He acknowledged this and said, "And now I am always with you." He acknowledged that Jehovah holds his right hand, that he is the one who guides him and gives him advice, recognizing that the only way to be happy is to continue drawing close to Jehovah and being his friend.
In Psalm 73:26, the psalmist acknowledges that his body may fail, that his heart may even fail, but that Jehovah was his rock. So this was the support that would help him always, throughout his life.
17. b) What can we learn from what happened to him? (See also the pictures.)
We learn that when we feel weak or discouraged, it is time to cling more closely to Jehovah. Even if we have stumbled, He is willing to forgive us and help us regain spiritual stability.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It's true that there are circumstances in life that make the heart doubt, aren't there? Perhaps in moments of discouragement, when things don't go as expected. That's precisely when we should draw closest to Jehovah, right? As Psalm 73:23 says, we should make Him the rock that gives stability to our hearts, just as Asaph did.
The psalmist said in Psalm 73:28, "But as for me, drawing near to God is good for me. I have made the Sovereign Lord Jehovah my refuge, to declare all your works." Each of us has been through difficult circumstances, but we have realized that drawing near to Jehovah is the best thing we could have ever done, and so we view him as our refuge and our rock.
The psalmist said, "You hold fast my right hand." Here he is talking about holding on, and Psalm 94:18 says, "When I said, 'My feet are slipping,'" which can remind us of times when we have been on the verge of slipping. And it adds, "Your loyal love sustained me." In other words, this is when we most need to hold on to Jehovah tightly, precisely because we are on the verge of slipping.
Jehovah is a very merciful Father. The Bible says that, like a father who shows mercy to his children, Jehovah will show mercy to those who fear him. It also says that He remembers that we are dust. So, when we are weak and draw near to Jehovah, He, in His great mercy, gives us even greater strength.
When one feels like the psalmist, perhaps the natural reaction is to isolate oneself, to seek solitude. And it is true that one may need some time for reflection and solitude, but that is precisely what he did not do. He sought to go to the temple, he avoided complaining everywhere, but instead he sought meditation, but in the house of the Lord. What a good lesson for us! Whatever disappointment or negative conclusion we reach, let us never cease to be in the house of the Lord.
In the photograph on the left, we see this young man who seems to be going through a period of depression or spiritual discouragement. But, like the psalmist, what is he doing? In the following image, we see that he is attending meetings, that is, attending to spiritual things, which are what will lift his spirits. And it is drawing closer to Jehovah that will help him.
We might think that things are better for those who don't serve Jehovah, and perhaps feel sad about what we do. But, just as the young man in the picture did, it's when we draw close to Jehovah that we truly find happiness.
If we have a problem or feel, like Asaph, that everyone else is doing well except me, and we abandon Jehovah, we'll have an even bigger problem. But if we do like Asaph, who before slipping and falling drew near to Jehovah, the problem may not disappear, but it will become smaller.
ILLUSTRATION
Series of images: 1. A brother who feels discouraged is sitting on a bed. 2. Later, the brother is seen smiling as he arrives at the Kingdom Hall and is greeted by a married couple.
When we are spiritually weak, we should draw closer to Jehovah by devoting more time to our worship. (See paragraph 17.)
LET US DRAW CLOSER TO GOD FOREVER
18. Why is there no limit to our approach to Jehovah?
There are no limits to drawing near to Jehovah because His wisdom and knowledge are unfathomable. There is always more to learn from Him, allowing us to continue strengthening our friendship with God for all eternity.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Romans 11:33 mentions that Jehovah's ways are untrodden, so we can never really know everything about Him.
19. What assurance do these Psalms give us?
These psalms assure us that if we continue to draw close to Jehovah, He will bless us forever. We can trust that He will be our rock and our eternal support, and that we will always have reason to praise Him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
It reassures us that if we continue to draw close to Jehovah, we will always receive blessings, and He will give them to us for all eternity. Because, as Psalm 79:13 says, we are His people and the flock of His pasture, and Psalm 73:26 says that He is the rock of our hearts. So Jehovah will always bless us, as long as we are close to Him.
WHAT WOULD YOU ANSWER?
Why should we meditate on the benefits of drawing close to Jehovah?
We should meditate on the benefits of drawing close to Jehovah because this motivates us to strengthen our relationship with Him. As we reflect on how His wisdom, protection, and love enhance our lives, we find more reasons to trust Him and follow His standards.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
Just as meditating on the benefits of eating healthy foods and their health benefits makes it easier for us to eat well. Likewise, reflecting on the benefits and blessings of drawing close to Jehovah makes it easier for us to do so.
What are the benefits of drawing closer to God?
Some of the benefits of drawing closer to God include a full and meaningful life, the hope of an eternal future in paradise, forgiveness of our sins, peace of mind, protection from evil influences, and the joy of having a close relationship with our Creator.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
We have seen that drawing close to God makes us happy, since following His wise counsel brings us good. His wisdom protects us from evil influences and helps us avoid making serious mistakes. Another benefit of drawing close to God is that it gives us a full life; that is, it gives meaning to our lives and gives us firm hope for the future.
What should we do to get closer to God?
To grow closer to God, we must read and study the Bible regularly, delving deeper into His will and applying its principles to our daily lives.
We must also strengthen our faith by meditating on the proofs of His love and continue to hate what He hates, avoiding bad associations.
Furthermore, it is essential to do everything with the desire to please Jehovah, treating others with kindness and living in a way that reflects our love for Him.
ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
First, we must continue to study and read the Bible, and have good Bible study habits.
Second, meditate on all the good things Jehovah has done for us.
And third, continue to hate things that offend Jehovah and not befriend people who practice them.
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