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Let's have a balanced view of our problems (10 mins.)
Dear brothers and sisters, we all face difficulties. Sometimes, when we are going through something painful—an illness, a family problem, or a financial problem—we might think, “Is Jehovah not pleased with me?” But we shouldn't jump to that conclusion.
Just because we have problems doesn't mean Jehovah isn't happy with us.
Having trials isn't a sign of disapproval. Even faithful servants of the past, like Job, David, and the apostle Paul, endured very difficult situations, yet Jehovah loved them deeply.
Sometimes our own decisions can have consequences.
LET'S READ GALATIANS 6:7
“Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. For whatever you sow is what you will reap.”
If we have made a mistake, the wise and humble thing to do is to acknowledge it, correct it, and learn. But it would be totally unfair to blame Jehovah for those consequences.
Let's consider a simple example: a car can reach a high speed, but if the driver ignores the speed limits and crashes on a sharp curve, is it the manufacturer's fault? Of course not. Likewise, Jehovah gave us free will, but also guidance on how to make good decisions. Ignoring these guidelines doesn't make Him guilty.
Other problems, as Ecclesiastes 9:11 says, arise through “a time and an event unforeseen.” And, in reality, the person most responsible for human suffering is not Jehovah, but Satan, “the lawless one” who “deceives the entire inhabited earth.” So when we face trials, let us not think that Jehovah is far away. Rather, let us see them as opportunities to draw closer to Him, trusting that He sustains us.
We cannot expect life in Satan's world to be fair.
We live in a world that does not belong to Jehovah, but to Satan, and that explains why so many things seem unjust to us. King Solomon observed something interesting:
LET'S READ ECCLESIASTES 10:7
“I have seen servants on horseback while princes walked as if they were servants.”
Truly talented people don't always receive recognition, and those who deserve it least are sometimes the most honored. Are we surprised? It shouldn't be.
Humility helps us face these realities. Instead of obsessing over what's wrong, we can adopt the attitude Solomon described in Ecclesiastes 6:9: accepting life as it is now, knowing that Jehovah will soon correct it. He hasn't promised that this system will be fair, or that everything will turn out well for us here. Rather, he has warned us that there will be hardship, opposition, and persecution.
But by remembering who rules this world, we avoid becoming discouraged or thinking that injustice means Jehovah isn't blessing us. Humility allows us to trust in his timing and perfect justice, and in the meantime, move forward with joy and satisfaction in life, as Ecclesiastes 9:7, 10 encourages us.
Even when we have problems, we should take time to enjoy the gifts Jehovah has given us.
Although difficulties are inevitable, Jehovah doesn't want us to go through life alone bearing the burden of this system. He wants us to enjoy the good things he has given us.
LET'S READ PSALM 104:14, 15
“He makes grass grow for the cattle and plants for food, so that the earth produces food: 15wine to gladden the heart of man, oil to make the face shine, and bread to refresh the heart of man.”
These texts clearly show that Jehovah provides food, oil, and wine that not only nourish but also gladden the heart. The same Creator who sustains the universe is interested in our enjoyment and well-being.
Acts 14:17 says that He “fills our hearts with joy.” This means that happiness isn’t just for the new world; it can also be felt now, even in the midst of trials. Therefore, Jehovah allows us moments of clean, wholesome, and enriching enjoyment.
There's no reason to feel guilty if we spend some time in recreational activities from time to time. Jesus himself encouraged us to observe "the birds of the air" and "the lilies of the field." Contemplating creation can encourage us, calm us, and remind us of Jehovah's love. Psalm 8:3, 4 speaks of the impact of meditating on God's works.
Ecclesiastes 3:12, 13 explains that enjoying a balanced life is a “gift from God.” If He gives us free time, He also expects us to use it wisely, enjoying what strengthens us, unites us with family, and allows us to continue serving Him with joy.
So, even when there are problems, let us find moments to enjoy what Jehovah gives us: a special meal, a walk in the fresh air, a good conversation with spiritual friends, or simply some time to rest. This also honors the Giver of all good things.
Illustration
As we see in the image in our activity guide, a sister standing on a pier gazing at the sky reminds us that we can find inspiration in simple moments and seize every opportunity to enjoy life and appreciate the beauty around us.
Whether watching the sunrise, stargazing, or participating in recreational activities, we can remember that life is a gift from Jehovah and that we can enjoy it to the fullest by spending our free time according to his wishes.
By doing this, we find peace, tranquility, and a sense of purpose in our daily lives, allowing us to live with joy and gratitude, knowing that every moment is an opportunity to grow closer to God and enjoy his creation.
Conclusion
Problems don't mean that Jehovah isn't happy with us. Rather, they are part of living in a world ruled by Satan. We can't expect perfect justice or a life free from difficulties just yet. But in the meantime, Jehovah wants us to find joy in the gifts he has given us.
If we maintain a humble attitude, avoid misplaced guilt, and take time for healthy enjoyment, we can continue serving Him with a grateful heart, firm hope, and the motivation to keep going.
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