20/06/2025
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WATCHTOWER PREPARATION
STUDY ARTICLE 15
SONG 30 My Father, My God and Friend
“Drawing Near to God Is Good” for Us!
“As for me, drawing near to God is good for me.”—PS. 73:28.
FOCUS: How we can draw closer to Jehovah and the benefits that come from doing so.
1-2. (a) What effort is required to cultivate a close friendship with someone? (b) What will we discuss in this article?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.