PSalms 119 Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.) Ps 119:71 What could be good about suffering affliction?

Transcription

1 PSalms 119 Digging for Spiritual Gems: (8 min.) Ps 119:71 What could be good about suffering affliction? (w06 9/1 14 _4) 119:71 What could be good about suffering affliction? Hardship can teach us to rely more fully on Jehovah, to pray to him more earnestly, and to be more diligent in studying the Bible and applying what it says. Moreover, our response to affliction can reveal personality flaws that can be corrected. Suffering will not make us bitter if we allow it to refine us. Ps 119:96 What is meant by I have seen a limit to all perfection? (w06 9/1 14 _5) 119:96 What is meant by an end to all perfection? The psalmist is speaking about perfection from a human viewpoint. He likely had in mind that man s concept of perfection is limited. In contrast, God s commandment has no such limit. Its guidance applies to all aspects of life. To all perfection I see a limit, reads the New International Version, but your commands are boundless.

2 What does this week s Bible reading teach me about Jehovah? *** w13 9/15 p. 7 par. 2 Jehovah s Reminders Are Trustworthy *** 2 The Hebrew noun rendered reminder often refers to laws, commands, and regulations that God gives to his people. Unlike human laws, which often need to be amended or updated, Jehovah s laws and regulations are always trustworthy. Though some of them are given for a particular time or situation, they never become faulty or inadequate. The psalmist said: The righteousness of your reminders is to time indefinite. Ps. 119:144. *** w13 9/15 pp par. 3 Make Jehovah s Reminders the Exultation of Your Heart *** 3 To preserve our precious relationship with our heavenly Father, we must continue to apply Jehovah s wise instruction in our life. How fine it is if our attitude reflects that of the psalmist who wrote: I have taken your reminders as a possession to time indefinite, for they are the exultation of my heart! (Ps. 119:111) Do we similarly take delight in Jehovah s commandments, or do we sometimes view them as burdensome? Even if we occasionally chafe at some counsel we receive, we need not despair. We can cultivate unshakable trust in God s superior wisdom! Let us consider three ways. *** w13 11/15 p. 4 par. 4 Be Vigilant With a View to Prayers *** With deep reverence for God, the composer of another psalm sang: Seven times in the day I have praised you because of your righteous judicial decisions. (Ps. 119:164) Jehovah surely deserves to be praised. Therefore, should we not praise him in our prayers seven times in the day, that is, very often? *** w12 7/15 p. 15 par. 10 Serve the God of Freedom *** Indeed, by these means, Jehovah makes even his young servants wiser than all those who ignore his counsel, even the so-called wise and intellectual ones of this world. Luke 10:21; read Psalm 119: *** w12 7/15 pp par. 3 Of Whom Shall I Be in Dread? *** A literal light may reveal a danger or an obstacle on our pathway, but it does not remove it. We must act wisely on what we see. In a similar way, Jehovah reveals to us the basic meaning of world events. He alerts us to the dangers of this system of things. He provides us with Bible principles that always work, but we must apply what we learn. When we do, we can act with more wisdom than either our enemies or our teachers. Ps. 119:98, 99, 130.

3 *** w10 2/15 pp par. 5 Skillfully Wield the Sword of the Spirit *** 5 Moreover, the Bible is a book of matchless wisdom. It contains helpful information that can show people how to live in this complex world. The Word of God illuminates not only our immediate steps but also the roadway ahead. (Ps. 119:105) It is a tremendous help when we are dealing with problems or are making decisions about our choice of friends, entertainment, employment, dress, and so forth. (Ps. 37:25; Prov. 13:20; John 15:14; 1 Tim. 2:9) *** w10 7/1 p. 20 Seven Steps to Beneficial Bible Reading *** You can gain more Bible understanding by asking the Author for his help, as did the psalmist who said: Uncover my eyes, that I may look at the wonderful things out of your law. (Psalm 119:18) Pray to God each time you read the Scriptures, asking him to help you to understand his Word. You can also express thanks for the Bible, for without it we would not know God. Psalm 119:62. *** w10 7/15 p. 19 par. 16 Have a Full Share in the Great Spiritual Harvest *** Just as we give constant attention to our physical hygiene, so we must regularly submit to the purifying influence of God s word of truth. This involves reading the Bible and attending Christian meetings. It also means making a sincere effort to apply God s reminders in our life. Doing so will enable us to combat our own sinful tendencies and resist the contaminating influences of this world. (Ps. 119:9; Jas. 1:21-25) Yes, how comforting it is to know that with the help of God s word of truth, we can be washed clean of even serious sin! 1 Cor. 6:9-11. *** w10 8/15 p. 22 par. 6 Let the Law of Loving-Kindness Safeguard Your Tongue *** 6 Jehovah God is abundant in loving-kindness, states the Bible. (Ex. 34:6) Your loving-kindness, O Jehovah, sang the psalmist, has filled the earth. (Ps. 119:64) The Scriptures contain numerous accounts of how Jehovah showed loving-kindness to his worshippers. Taking time to meditate appreciatively on Jehovah s dealings can instill in us the desire to cultivate this godly quality. Read Psalm 77:12. *** w09 7/1 p. 3 Can the Bible Be Understood? *** All Scripture is inspired of God, says the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16) Yes, Jehovah God is the Bible s Author. Does he want us to understand his Word? Or did he deliberately make the Bible unfathomable to all but a privileged few, such as clergymen and Bible scholars? Consider the following verses from the Bible itself: This commandment that I am commanding you today is not too difficult for you, nor is it far away. Deuteronomy 30:11. The very disclosure of your words gives light, making the inexperienced ones understand. Psalm 119:130.

4 *** w09 11/15 p. 4 par. 7 What Do Your Prayers Say About You? *** 7 Jesus thanked God for food and for the bread and wine used at the Lord s Evening Meal. (Matt. 15:36; Mark 14:22, 23) Besides expressing similar gratitude, we should give thanks to Jehovah for his wonderful works to the sons of men, for his righteous judicial decisions, and for his word, or message, now available in the Bible. Ps. 107:15; 119:62, 105. *** w09 11/15 p. 14 par. 4 Treasure Your Place in the Congregation *** 4 Some might reason that areas such as entertainment and dress and grooming are personal matters. For the dedicated Christian who cherishes his place in the congregation, though, personal preferences should not be the sole determining factor when making decisions. Consideration must especially be given to Jehovah s viewpoint as revealed through his Word, the Bible. Its message should prove to be a lamp to our foot, and a light to our roadway. (Ps. 119:105) We are wise also to consider how the choices we make in personal matters affect our ministry and other people, both inside and outside the congregation. Read 2 Corinthians 6:3, 4. *** w06 9/1 p. 14 par. 6 Highlights From Book Five of Psalms *** 119:164 What is significant about praising God seven times in the day? The number seven often denotes completeness. Therefore, the psalmist is stating that Jehovah is deserving of all praise. *** w06 9/1 p. 22 par. 4 How to Approach the Hearer of Prayer *** Even so, throughout human history God has shown himself willing to accept the prayers of those who approach him in faith and with the proper heart attitude, observing his commandments. (Psalm 119:145)

5 What points from this week s Bible reading can I use in the field ministry? *** w15 6/15 p. 14 par. 6 We Can Remain Chaste *** Even if wrong desires are deeply rooted and tend to crowd out our chaste thoughts, Jehovah can guide our steps so that we can obey his commandments and succeed in living by them. He can prevent anything harmful from dominating us. Ps. 119:133. *** w15 6/15 pp par. 7 We Can Remain Chaste *** 7 Jehovah can answer our prayers for help by means of his Word, the Bible. The wisdom contained in God s Word is first of all pure. (Jas. 3:17) Reading the Bible daily and meditating on what we read can help to guard our minds against immoral thoughts. (Ps. 19:7, 11; 119:9, 11) Additionally, the Bible contains examples and specific counsel that can help us to avoid falling victim to unclean desires. *** w15 11/15 p. 11 par. 11 Train Your Teenager to Serve Jehovah *** Barry explains: Teenagers need to learn to make sensible decisions based on reason rather than emotion. (Ps. 119:34) When you humbly give reasons for your decisions, your adolescent can sense that you recognize that he is progressing toward maturity, and he learns to make his own decisions with his power of reason. *** w14 6/15 p. 15 par. 15 You Must Love Jehovah Your God *** 15 Diligently study and apply God s Word. Doing so shows that we love Jehovah and truly want his word to be a light for our path. (Ps. 119:105) *** w14 8/15 p. 22 par. 5 Hear Jehovah s Voice Wherever You Are *** 5 How can those who love God s righteousness avoid being swept along by today s flood of satanic propaganda? How can they separate the good from the bad? By keeping on guard according to [God s] word! (Ps. 119:9) God s written Word contains essential guidance that enables us to distinguish truthful information from deceptive propaganda. *** w14 11/15 p. 17 par. 19 We Must Be Holy in All Our Conduct *** Pray to God as did the psalmist who sang: Open my eyes so that I may see clearly the wonderful things from your law. (Ps. 119:18) Never compromise on Bible laws and principles. Willingly comply with the supreme law of the Holy One, Jehovah, and zealously participate in the holy work of the good news of God. (1 Pet. 1:15; Rom. 15:16) Prove yourself holy during these turbulent last days. May all of us be holy in our conduct and thus uphold the sovereignty of our holy God, Jehovah.

6 *** w14 12/15 p. 15 par. 15 Do You Grasp the Meaning? *** Someone who leaves the congregation should be viewed as a lost sheep, not a lost cause. (Ps. 119:176) If we meet a person who has strayed from the congregation, will we offer loving and practical help to assist him to return? Will we promptly inform the elders so that they can offer appropriate help? *** w13 4/15 p. 30 par. 11 Do Not Tire Out *** Do we strive to take in all the spiritual food we receive and meditate on it? Doing so will help us to continue to bear fruit and not wither spiritually in these difficult last days. Read Psalm 1:1-3; 35:28; 119:97. *** w13 6/15 p. 18 par. 9 Appreciate Jehovah s Loyalty and Forgiveness *** 9 Above all, we want to remain loyal to Jehovah. How do we do that? By striving to view things the way that he views them loving what he loves and hating what he hates and then conducting ourselves accordingly. (Read Psalm 97:10.) The more we bring our thoughts and feelings into harmony with Jehovah s thoughts and feelings, the more we will be inclined to obey his commands. Ps. 119:104. *** w12 2/1 p. 25 Will the Earth Come to an End? *** The earth, however, will never come to an end. Earth s Creator will not allow it. His Word states: You have solidly fixed the earth, that it may keep standing. Psalm 119:90. *** w12 3/15 p. 17 par. 10 Maintain Your Sense of Urgency *** 10 The example of a small group of Bible Students who prior to 1914 set out to preach the good news illustrates what it means to have a sense of urgency. Although they were only a few thousand strong, they appreciated the urgency of the times and enthusiastically took up the Kingdom preaching work. They had sermons published in hundreds of newspapers and presented a program of color slides and motion pictures called the Photo- Drama of Creation. In this way, they reached millions with the good news. If they had not had a sense of urgency, how many of us would have heard the Kingdom message? Read Psalm 119:60. *** w12 4/15 p. 16 Maintain a Complete Heart Toward Jehovah *** 3 Environment: The ungodly environment in which we must work and live can put our literal and our figurative heart under heavy stress. However, we can reduce such stress by associating as often as possible with fellow believers, who genuinely care for us and whose hearts are complete toward God. Ps. 119:63; Prov. 13:20. *** w12 5/15 p. 25 par. 9 Are You Reflecting the Glory of Jehovah? *** Bible knowledge is the basis for our faith and is the means of fortifying our determination to avoid grave sin and to please Jehovah. Ps. 119:11, 47, 48.

7 *** w12 6/1 p. 5 History, Not Myth *** HOW IS THE BIBLE DIFFERENT? Legends and myths relate fanciful tales that omit specific locations, dates, and names of historical figures. In contrast, the Bible includes countless historical details that reassure readers that its sayings are supremely true. Psalm 119:160, The Psalms for Today, by R. K. Harrison. *** w12 8/1 pp Champions of the Truth *** Keep Your Eyes Ahead of the Night Watches was the theme of the talk delivered by Michael Burnett, one of the Gilead School instructors. The Israelites divided the night from sundown to sunrise into three watches of four hours each. The final one, from 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m., was the darkest and coldest and was the time it was most difficult to stay awake. The psalmist occupied his mind with Jehovah s sayings so that during the final watch of the night, he would not drift off to sleep. (Psalm 119:148) You will need to be watchful, Brother Burnett told the students. You will have some dark discouraging days and will see the effects of the cold, loveless world. You need a plan of action. He then reminded them that they should tackle challenging study projects in order to keep themselves spiritually watchful. Brother Burnett illustrated his point: Each day, you pray to Jehovah because you want him to be your friend. So, let Jehovah, as your friend, talk to you every day through the pages of the Bible. The night is well along, so plan how you will use your days ahead, and in that way you will keep your eyes ahead of the night watches. *** w12 8/15 p. 29 par. 19 Stand Firm and Avoid Satan s Traps! *** 19 The psalmist sang: Abundant peace belongs to those loving your [God s] law, and for them there is no stumbling block. (Ps. 119:165) So love the truth, and keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons in these wicked times. (Eph. 5:15, 16) *** w12 9/15 p. 25 par. 9 You Know Neither the Day Nor the Hour *** 9 A fifth way that we benefit from not knowing when the end will come is that it allows present adversities to refine us. (Read Psalm 119:71.) The last days of this system are indeed critical times hard to deal with. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) Many in Satan s world hate us, so we may be persecuted for our faith. (John 15:19; 16:2) If we humble ourselves and seek God s direction during such trials, our faith will be refined, or purified, as though through fire. We do not give out. Rather, we will draw closer to Jehovah than we may have imagined possible. Jas. 1:2-4; 4:8. *** w12 11/15 p. 7 par. 17 Teach Me to Do Your Will *** 17 Consider, too, how David s example of earnestly seeking God s guidance can help us to resist the temptation to view pornographic images. Read the following scriptures, think about the principles they contain, and endeavor to discern Jehovah s will in this matter. (Read Psalm 119:37; Matthew 5:28, 29; Colossians 3:5.) Meditating on his elevated standards equips us to keep free from the snare of pornography.

8 *** w11 3/15 pp par. 15 Receive God s Spirit, Not the World s *** 15 God s spirit engenders in us a respect for the Bible. Like the psalmist, we view God s word as both a lamp to our foot and a light to our roadway. (Ps. 119:105) Rather than lean on our own wisdom, we confidently rely on God s written Word to help us discern right from wrong. We learn not only to respect the Bible but also to love God s law. Ps. 119:97. *** w11 5/15 p. 3 Do You Really Delight in God s Word? *** Approach your Bible reading session in a prayerful and focused frame of mind. Ask Jehovah to help you develop an eagerness to study his Word. Petition him to open your mind and heart to grasp his wisdom more fully. (Ps. 119:34) Without this kind of approach, Bible study can quickly become mechanical, and you may lose the desire to continue. *** w11 7/1 p. 28 Who Made the Laws That Govern Our Universe? *** Still, you might wonder: Does the Bible teach that the earth or the starry heavens as a whole will one day come to an end or need replacing? No, the Bible promises that they will last forever. (Psalm 104:5; 119:90) But that is not because such creations are eternal in themselves; rather, the God who created them promises to sustain them. (Psalm 148:4-6) He does not say how, but does it not stand to reason that the One who created the universe would have the power to sustain it? In a similar way, a master builder might lovingly maintain a house he built for himself and his family. *** w11 10/15 p. 12 par. 15 Is Your Recreation Beneficial? *** 15 Hence, when you consider whether you should choose a certain individual as a close friend or not, it would be wise to keep Jesus statement in mind. Ask yourself such questions as: Does this individual demonstrate in words and deeds that he is obeying the commands of Jehovah and Jesus? Does he have the same Bible-based values and morals that I have? Will being in his company encourage me to put the Kingdom first in my life and to be a loyal servant of Jehovah? If you are sure that the answers to those questions are yes, you have found a good companion with whom to enjoy your leisure activities. Read Psalm 119:63; 2 Cor. 6:14; 2 Tim. 2:22. *** w10 1/1 p. 22 Will the Earth Come to an End? *** Well, think for a moment about products on the shelf at a store. Some are labeled with an expiration date. Who set that date? Was it just an educated guess by the store manager? Of course not! The manufacturer determined the expiration date. We trust that date because the manufacturer knows his products better than anyone else. How much more so should we trust the Maker of our planet! His Word clearly states that he solidly fixed the earth to last forever. There is no expiration date ever! Psalm 119:90.

9 *** w09 3/1 p. 17 A Tree the Foliage of Which Does Not Wither *** Finally, we need to read it in an undertone day and night. That means reading the Bible on a regular basis and meditating on what we read. We should feel about God s Word the same way as did the psalmist who sang: How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern. Psalm 119:97. *** w09 8/15 pp par. 8 Keep Yourselves in God s Love *** Furthermore, if the hiker did not have an accurate, reliable map, his compass would do him little or no good. Similarly, if we do not rely on the sure, unchanging guidance of God s Word, the Bible, our conscience might be nearly useless. (Ps. 119:105) Sadly, many people in this world give undue prominence to the desires of the heart while paying little or no attention to the standards set out in God s Word. (Read Ephesians 4:17-19.) That is why so many people, though endowed with a conscience, do terrible things. 1 Tim. 4:2. *** w08 1/15 p. 9 par. 3 Pay Attention to Your Art of Teaching *** 3 One dictionary defines art as a skill that is attained by study, practice, or observation. We need to pay attention to all three of these elements to become effective teachers of the good news. We can gain a correct understanding of our subject only by studying it prayerfully. (Read Psalm 119:27, 34.) Observing effective ministers as they teach helps us to learn their methods and to imitate them. And striving on a regular basis to practice what we learn will help us to refine our abilities. Luke 6:40; 1 Tim. 4: *** w08 2/1 p. 14 Why Pray in Jesus Name? *** Consider an illustration. When you receive a letter from a businessman, it may conclude with a perfunctory sincerely yours. Do you feel that this is a genuine expression of the businessman s feelings, or is he just conforming to a standard of letter-writing etiquette? Really, the use of Jesus name in our prayers needs to be more meaningful than the complimentary closing of a business letter. Though we are to pray incessantly, we are to do so with our whole heart, not in a mechanical manner. 1 Thessalonians 5:17; Psalm 119:145. *** w08 4/15 p. 7 par. 20 Repudiate Valueless Things *** 20 Valueless things be they gods, words, or something else are very harmful. For that reason, we always pray for Jehovah s help to recognize them for what they are, and we seek his guidance in how to repudiate them. When we do so, we in effect say with the psalmist: Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless; preserve me alive in your own way. (Ps. 119:37)

10 *** w08 5/15 p. 22 par. 7 Make Spiritual Progress by Following Paul s Example *** read? 7 Regular study of the Bible, accompanied by purposeful meditation, will help us to progress spiritually. (Heb. 5:12-14) Regarding the value of God s Word, the psalmist sang: The law of your mouth is good for me, more so than thousands of pieces of gold and silver. Wiser than my enemies your commandment makes me, because to time indefinite it is mine. From every bad path I have restrained my feet, for the purpose that I may keep your word. (Ps. 119:72, 98, 101) Do you have a routine of personal Bible study? Are you preparing for future assignments in God s service by reading the Bible daily and reflecting upon what you *** w08 6/1 p. 19 Make Good Use of Your Curiosity *** Obviously, there is knowledge that is not desirable because it is harmful. Curiosity about pornography, the occult, or teachings of cults or extremist groups can easily endanger our well-being. In these and other areas, we would do well to imitate the Hebrew psalmist who prayed: Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless. Psalm 119:37. Then there is knowledge that may not be harmful in itself but is actually frivolous and unnecessary. For example, what benefit is there in knowing all about the private life of movie stars or celebrities, in learning the statistics of every sports team and player, or in knowing all about the latest gadgets or the newest models of cars? For most people, being experts in these subjects does not lead to anything beneficial. *** w08 8/15 p. 24 par. 13 Are You Speaking the Pure Language Fluently? *** Why do we need reminders? Because they deepen our understanding, expand our viewpoint, and strengthen our determination to stay on course spiritually. (Ps. 119:129) Constantly reviewing God s standards and principles helps us scrutinize ourselves and counteracts the tendency to be a forgetful hearer. (Jas. 1:22-25) If we do not keep reminding ourselves of the truth, other things will influence our hearts and we may no longer speak the pure language with fluency.

11 *** w08 9/15 pp Increase in Accurate Knowledge With Eagerness of Mind *** The poetic song listed as Psalm 119 in our Bibles conveys the psalmist s feelings about the laws, reminders, orders, commands, and judicial decisions of Jehovah. The psalmist wrote: For your statutes I shall show a fondness.... Your reminders are what I am fond of. He also wrote: How I do love your law! All day long it is my concern. Ps. 119:16, 24, 47, 48, 77, 97. The expressions fondness and concern suggest meditation on God s Word, in fact, taking delight in such meditation. Those expressions emphasize the obvious love that the psalmist had for study of the divine law. That love did not spring from a mere welling up of emotion in the psalmist s heart. Rather, he had an earnest desire to concern himself with the law, to gain insight into Jehovah s words. We can see from his attitude that he wanted to get to know God and his will as accurately as possible. It is clear that the psalmist s love for God s Word came from the bottom of his heart. We can ask ourselves: Is that true of me? Do I delight in reading and analyzing a portion of the Bible each day? Do I approach the reading of God s Word diligently and prayerfully? To the extent that we can answer yes to those questions, we are likely increasing in the accurate knowledge of God. *** w08 12/15 p. 10 par. 13 Will You Hold Fast to Your Integrity? *** Still, how will we respond should an individual let us down or hurt our feelings? If we were to let bitterness toward a fellow worshipper poison our heart, our integrity to God could be compromised. The conduct of others never creates an excuse for our becoming bitter toward God or for abandoning a faithful course. (Ps. 119:165) Enduring even in the face of trials will help us to maintain our integrity. *** w07 3/15 p. 13 Look! The Light Is Wonderful! *** Stating a reason why the light is marvelous, the psalmist sang: Your word is a lamp to my foot, and a light to my roadway. (Psalm 119:105) The divine guidance we receive from God s Word can help us to chart a sure course and enjoy a meaningful life. We need not be like a ship adrift. Knowing and applying the truth protects us from being tossed about as by waves and carried hither and thither by every wind of teaching. Ephesians 4:14. *** w06 3/15 p. 29 par. 11 Keep Clear of False Worship! *** 11 True Christians keep clear of false worship, rejecting false religious teachings. This means that we avoid exposure to religious programs on radio and television as well as religious literature that promotes lies about God and his Word. (Psalm 119:37) We also wisely refrain from sharing in social functions and recreational activities sponsored by any organization associated with false religion. Additionally, we do not support false worship in any way. (1 Corinthians 10:21)

12 *** w06 4/1 p. 5 Understanding the Bible What Will Help You? *** Another way to prepare our heart is by prayer. Since the Bible was inspired by holy spirit, its message will become understandable to us with the help of that spirit. We must pray for such help. Notice how this was the concern of the psalmist who wrote: Make me understand, that I may observe your law and that I may keep it with the whole heart. (Psalm 119:34) We need to pray not only for the mental ability to comprehend what is written but also for the heart attitude that will allow us to accept it. To understand the Bible, we need to be receptive to what is true.