SA46 - How Jehovah Helps Us to Endure With Joy

Soon we will reap the blessings that our heavenly Father has promised, a rich inheritance by means of his Kingdom. Isaiah 30:18 reminds us that those who keep in expectation of Jehovah will receive many blessings both now and in the new world to come.

Jehovah is waiting to show those who wait for him both favor and mercy. This works best because these ones will no longer have to weep because when we cry out, Jehovah hears and responds. The theme of endurance with joy is conveyed through the emphasis that God is waiting, He is a God of justice who makes those who wait on him happy. (Isaiah 30:18, 19)

The words at Isaiah 30:20, 21 continue the idea that God will respond when we cry out due to the hardship of unjust treatment. This action is illustrated by the “bread and water” of oppression, because the distress that the people experienced became as familiar to them as bread and water. Jehovah promises that despite these difficulties, we will be able to see and recognize our Grand instructor Jehovah and the punishment he’ll inflict on our persecutors. How thankful we are to receive clear guidance from this source. Guidance received through our congregation meetings, conventions, publications, radio broadcasts, and other means that influence our thinking process to be centered on the kingdom, instead of narrowly focused on our trials.

When God’s people enter into the new world, we will never again have to endure the anxieties and the challenges that we must face today. Injustice will be gone, and pain will be no more. (Revelations 21:4) We will not have to wait anxiously for what we need because there will be an abundance. (Psalm 72:16; Isaiah 54:13)

What a blessing that will be, similar to the description at Isaiah 30:23-26, where God provides for his people's needs, including rain for crops, fertile ground, and abundant pasture for cattle. It reminds us that the oxen and donkeys that work the land will eat well-prepared food, and that there will be plenty of water available. These scriptures also go on to outline how this will be possible through the result of the "day of great slaughter where the towers fall.” What a joyful day for those who have endured to be able to witness all oppressors being punished, and justice being served. With this hope of a future filled with prosperity and justice, we are encouraged to continue enduring these current difficulties with joy.

As we promote peace in our lives and in the congregation, we contribute to living in a spiritual paradise. With every negative trait we overcome and every godly quality we cultivate, Jehovah is preparing us for life under his rulership. We cannot lose heart, nor give up. With a joyful future ahead may we continue to demonstrate that we’re willing to wait patiently on Jehovah until he completes his work!

Do you have a comment that did not get mentioned during the Watchtower study? What encouraging observations would you like to point out? Share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.