Watchtower Study, Week of October 6-12, 2025, Have You Learned “The Secret” to Contentment?, Underlined Answers.

Watchtower Study, October 6-12, 2025, Have You Learned “The Secret” to Contentment?, Underlined Answers.

Yellow: Direct Response

Light Yellow: Additional Response

Celeste: Additional Points

“I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances” (PHILIPP. 4:11).

1. What does it mean to be content with what you have, but what doesn't it mean?

ARE you happy with your life? That means you feel happy and at peace because you focus on the good things you have instead of feeling angry or bitter because you focus on the things you don't have. Now, being content with our lives doesn't mean settling for our comfort zone. For example, it's good for us to strive to do more in our service to Jehovah. (Rom. 12:1; 1 Tim. 3:1) Yet, we are still content even if we have not yet received the assignments or responsibilities we desire.

2. Why is it so dangerous to be unhappy with the things we have?

2 If we're not happy with the things we have, we can start making very serious mistakes. For example, some may work countless overtime hours to buy things they don't really need. Unfortunately, some brothers have even stolen money and other things they wanted. They may have thought, “I deserve this,” “I’m done waiting,” or “I can take this money now and pay it back later.” But stealing is stealing, and it is something Jehovah hates because it dishonors his name. (Prov. 30:9). Others have been so disappointed at not receiving a certain responsibility that they have stopped serving Jehovah. (Gal. 6:9) How could a dedicated servant of Jehovah even think of doing such a thing? Perhaps the problem is that he gradually became dissatisfied with his life.

3. What reassurance does Philippians 4:11, 12 give us?

3 It may not be easy to be content with the things we have, but it's something we can and should learn. In fact, the apostle Paul said, "I have learned to be content whatever my circumstances." (Read Philippians 4:11, 12.) When he wrote these words, he was in prison, but he had not lost his joy. If we find it difficult to feel content with our lives, what Paul said and what he lived shows us that we can all achieve it. How can we learn "the secret" to being happy no matter what? In this article, we'll look at three things that will help us.

LET US BE GRATEFUL

4. Why does being thankful help us feel content? (1 Thessalonians 5:18)

4 The more thankful we are, the more content we will feel (read 1 Thessalonians 5:18). For example, if we are truly grateful for having the things we need in life, we will be less likely to obsess over the things we don't have. If we value what we can do now in our service to Jehovah, we will concentrate on giving our best and will not be constantly thinking about the assignments or responsibilities we would like to receive. No wonder the Bible encourages us to give thanks to Jehovah in our prayers! Being grateful helps us feel “the peace of God, which is beyond what any human being can understand.” (Phil. 4:6, 7).

5. What reasons did the Israelites have for gratitude? (See also the image.)

5 Consider the Israelites, who on several occasions complained to Jehovah because they missed the food they had in Egypt (Num. 11:4-6). It's true that life in the wilderness wasn't easy. But they would have been happier if they had appreciated all that Jehovah had already done for them. They should have remembered that Jehovah had sent 10 plagues to free them from the Egyptians, who had enslaved them and mistreated them terribly. When they were freed, they “robbed the Egyptians” of a great amount of silver, gold, and clothing. (Ex. 12:35, 36). Furthermore, Jehovah used his power to part the waters of the Red Sea, allowing the Israelites to escape Pharaoh's army. He also fed them day after day with manna as they crossed the desert. So why were they unhappy? It wasn't because they lacked food, but because they weren't grateful for all they had.

ILLUSTRATION

Several Israelites complain to Moses about the manna they are collecting, while others around them continue collecting and watch them.

Why were the Israelites unhappy? (See paragraph 5.)

6. What will help us to be grateful?

6 What will help us to be grateful? First, let's take time each day to think about the good things we enjoy. Maybe we can even write down two or three things we're grateful for. (Lam. 3:22, 23). Second, let us thank others and especially Jehovah every day for the things they do for us. (Ps. 75:1). Third, let's choose grateful people as close friends. Gratitude is contagious, but so is discontent. (Deut. 1:26-28; 2 Tim. 3:1, 2, 5). If we look for opportunities to be grateful, we'll be less likely to get bitter about the things we don't have.

7. What helped Aci feel happier?

7 Consider the case of a sister named Aci, who lives in Indonesia. She says: “During the COVID-19 pandemic, I began to compare my circumstances with those of other brothers and sisters, and I began to feel discontented” (Gal. 6:4). What helped her? She explains: “I started thinking about the blessings I received every day and the good things I enjoyed by being part of God’s organization. Then I thanked Jehovah, and that made me feel much happier.” Imitating this sister's example can be very helpful if we feel dissatisfied with the circumstances we have to live through.

LET US BE HUMBLE

8. What happened to Baruch?

8 There was a time when Baruch, the prophet Jeremiah's secretary, became dissatisfied with his circumstances. His difficult assignment was to help Jeremiah deliver a message of condemnation to the Israelites for their disobedience to Jehovah. At some point, he lost sight of the fact that the most important thing was to focus on what Jehovah wanted him to do, and apparently began to think too much about himself and what he wanted to do. Through the prophet, Jehovah said to him: “You are seeking great things for yourself. Stop seeking those things.” (Jer. 45:3-5) Or, to put it another way, “Be happy with the circumstances you have.” Baruch accepted correction and thus maintained Jehovah’s approval.

9. What does 1 Corinthians 4:6, 7 teach us? (See also the images.)

9 Sometimes a brother may feel he deserves a certain assignment or responsibility. Perhaps he is very talented, has worked very hard, has served Jehovah for many years, or perhaps all three. Still, others may receive what he desires. What will help him avoid discontent? You might reflect on what the apostle Paul wrote at 1 Corinthians 4:6, 7 (read it). None of us earns or deserves the talents we have or the assignments or responsibilities we receive, but they are gifts Jehovah gives us out of his undeserved kindness. (Rom. 12:3, 6; Eph. 2:8, 9).

ILLUSTRATION

Images of brothers who have been given various responsibilities. 1. A brother inspects some ducts in an organization building. 2. A sister is interviewed by a brother at a circuit assembly in sign language. 3. A brother gives a talk at a congregation meeting.

Any talent we have is a gift Jehovah has given us out of his undeserved kindness. (See paragraph 9.)

10. What will help us to be humble?

10 Meditating on Jesus' example will help us be humble. Let us remember that he washed his apostles' feet even though he knew he was the Son of God and had great authority. The apostle John wrote: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands and that he had come from God and would go back to God, [...] began to wash the disciples’ feet.” (Juan 13:3-5). Jesus might have thought they were the ones who had to wash his feet. But he never believed he deserved to live a life of luxury and comfort (Luke 9:58). He was humble and therefore content with what he had. He set a perfect example for us (John 13:15).

11. What has helped Dennis feel happier?

11 A brother from the Netherlands named Dennis says he strives to be humble like Jesus, but sometimes he struggles. He says, “When I see someone receive an assignment I want, I sometimes feel upset or a little proud. When that happens, I begin to study the subject of humility.” In the JW Library® app, I have tagged several texts that discuss this quality so I can quickly find them and reread them. I also frequently listen to several talks on the topic, which I have downloaded to my phone. I've learned that everything we do is to glorify Jehovah, not ourselves. The work is His, and He allows us to do our part." If at any time we feel discontented like this brother, let us strive to be more humble. In this way we will strengthen our friendship with Jehovah and feel more content. (James 4:6, 8).

LET US MEDITATE ON OUR HOPE

12. What hope helps us be content with our present circumstances? (Isaiah 65:21-25)

12 Meditating on the wonderful future Jehovah has promised us will help us feel more content with our present circumstances. As we can see in the book of Isaiah, Jehovah understands that life in this system can be very frustrating, but he also promises us that he will eliminate all our problems. (read Isaiah 65:21-25). In the new world, we will all have beautiful, comfortable homes, enjoyable jobs, and delicious, healthy food. We will never again fear that bad things will happen to us or our children. (Is. 32:17, 18; Ezek. 34:25). It is a wonderful future, and it is guaranteed.

13. In what situations is it especially important for us to think about our hope?

13 Why is it especially important today to think often about the hope we have? Because we live in “the last days,” and we all face challenges that are “hard to bear.” (2 Tim. 3:1) Jehovah helps us endure each day by giving us the guidance, strength, and support we need. (Ps. 145:14) But he also gives us a hope that can sustain us in the worst of times. We may have to work very, very hard to bring home the bread and make ends meet. But we know it won't be like this forever, because Jehovah has promised us that in Paradise he will give us everything we need and much more. (Ps. 9:18; 72:12-14). Or we may be suffering from a serious illness, constant pain, or depression. But that doesn't mean our life will always be like this and that there is no hope, for God has promised that in the new world there will be no sickness or death. (Rev. 21:3, 4) These promises help us free ourselves from frustration and bitterness over our current circumstances. That's right, even if we suffer injustice, illness, the loss of loved ones, or any other problem, we can live happily. Why? Because, no matter what is happening to us, we know that "difficulties are momentary" and that in the new world, suffering will disappear forever. (2 Cor. 4:17, 18).

14. How can we strengthen our hope?

14 How can we strengthen our hope so that it helps us be content with the life we ​​have? You could say that our hope is like a pair of glasses that help us see the future Paradise more clearly. For example, if we are overwhelmed by financial problems, we can imagine what life will be like when money, debt, and poverty no longer exist. If we feel disappointed because we have not received certain assignments or responsibilities, we can consider how little we will care about those things when we are perfect and have served Jehovah for thousands of years. (1 Tim. 6:19). Perhaps we have so many problems now that it's hard to stop and think about the future. But as we do, it will become easier and easier over time.

15. What does Christa's example teach you?

15 Let's look at what the case of Christa, Dennis's wife, mentioned in paragraph 11, teaches us. She says: "I have a progressive muscle disorder that forces me to use a wheelchair. I spend most of my time in bed and am always in pain. Recently, the doctor told me that my future doesn't look very good. And I immediately thought, 'He doesn't see the future the way I do.'" "I focus on my hope, and that helps me stay at peace. In this world, I have no choice but to endure, but I'm going to enjoy the new one to the fullest!"

“THOSE WHO FEAR HIM LACK NOTHING”

16. Why did David say that “nothing is lacking to those who fear” Jehovah?

16 Of course, even if we are content with the life we ​​have, we will still face problems. Consider King David. He lost at least three of his sons. He was also unjustly accused, betrayed, and hunted for years to kill him. Despite everything, he was content. In fact, speaking of Jehovah, he said: “Nothing is lacking to those who fear him.” (Ps. 34:9, 10) Why did he say that? Because he knew that although Jehovah does not prevent us from suffering problems, he always gives us the things we truly need. (Ps. 145:16). Like David, we are content because we are confident that Jehovah will be by our side no matter what.

17. Why do you want to learn to be content regardless of your circumstances?

17 Jehovah wants us to live contented lives regardless of our circumstances. (Ps. 131:1, 2) Now that we know the secret to achieving this, let us strive to be thankful and humble, and to meditate on our hope. Then we will be able to say, “I have learned to be content” (Phil. 4:11).

HOW DO THESE THINGS HELP US BE HAPPY WITH THE LIFE WE HAVE?

Be grateful.

The more grateful we are, the more content we will feel. If we value what we can do now in our service to Jehovah, we will focus on giving our best. The Bible encourages us to give thanks to Jehovah in our prayers! Being grateful helps us feel “the peace of God, which is beyond human understanding.”

Be humble.

Meditating on Jesus' example will help us be humble. Let us remember that he washed his apostles' feet even though he knew he was the Son of God and had great authority. If at any time we feel discontented, let us strive to follow Jesus' example and be more humble. This will strengthen our friendship with Jehovah and make us feel more content.

Meditate on our hope.

Meditating on the wonderful future Jehovah has promised us will help us feel more content with our current circumstances. In the new world, we will all have beautiful, comfortable homes, enjoyable jobs, and delicious, healthy food. We will never again fear that bad things will happen to us or our children. It is a wonderful future, and it is guaranteed.