References for Life and Ministry Meeting Workbook

© 2023 Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society of Pennsylvania

MARCH 11-17

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALM 18

“Jehovah Is . . . the One Who Rescues Me”

w09 5/1 14 ¶4-5

The Joy of Jehovah Is Our Stronghold

The Bible also likens Jehovah to inanimate things. He is described as “the Rock of Israel,” as a “crag,” and as a “stronghold.” (2 Samuel 23:3; Psalm 18:2; Deuteronomy 32:4) What is the point of similarity? Just as a large rock is solidly placed, unmovable, so Jehovah God can be a solid Source of security for you.

⁵ The book of Psalms is packed with word pictures that describe different facets of Jehovah’s personality. For example, Psalm 84:11 speaks of Jehovah as “a sun and a shield” because he is the Source of light, life, energy, and protection. On the other hand, Psalm 121:5 says that “Jehovah is your shade on your right hand.” Just as a place of shade can protect you from the blazing sun, Jehovah can protect those who serve him from the heat of calamity, giving them shadowlike protection under his “hand” or under his “wings.”​—Isaiah 51:16; Psalm 17:8; 36:7.

w22.04 3 ¶1

How to Cope Successfully With Anxiety

2. Reflect. As you look back on your life, can you think of trials that you were able to endure only because of Jehovah’s help? When we reflect on how Jehovah has sustained us as well as his servants in the past, we gain inner strength and greater confidence in him. (Ps. 18:17-19) “I have a list of answered prayers,” says an elder named Joshua. “This has helped me to remember the times I asked Jehovah for something specific and he gave me just what I needed.” Yes, when we ponder over what Jehovah has already done for us, we gain renewed strength to combat anxiety.

Spiritual Gems

it-1 432 ¶2

Cherub

These were not grotesque figures fashioned after the monstrous winged images worshiped by pagan nations round about, as some contend. According to the unanimous testimony of ancient Jewish tradition (the Bible is silent on this matter), these cherubs had human form. They were finest works of art, representing angelic creatures of glorious beauty, and were made in every detail “according to . . . the pattern” Moses received from Jehovah himself. (Ex 25:9) The apostle Paul describes them as “glorious cherubs overshadowing the propitiatory cover.” (Heb 9:5) These cherubs were associated with the presence of Jehovah: “And I will present myself to you there and speak with you from above the cover, from between the two cherubs that are upon the ark of the testimony.” (Ex 25:22; Nu 7:89) Hence, Jehovah was said to be “sitting upon [or, between] the cherubs.” (1Sa 4:4; 2Sa 6:2; 2Ki 19:15; 1Ch 13:6; Ps 80:1; 99:1; Isa 37:16) In symbol, the cherubs served as “the representation of the chariot” of Jehovah upon which he rode (1Ch 28:18), and the wings of the cherubs offered both guarding protection and swiftness in travel. So David, in poetic song, described the speed with which Jehovah came to his aid, like one who “came riding upon a cherub and came flying” even “upon the wings of a spirit.”​—2Sa 22:11; Ps 18:10.

APRIL 1-7

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 23-25

w11 5/1 31 ¶5

“Jehovah Is My Shepherd”

Jehovah feeds his sheep. Sheep are dependent on their shepherd to find food for them. We have a spiritual need that can be filled only with God’s help. (Matthew 5:3) Thankfully, Jehovah is a generous Provider, arranging before his servants a bounteous table. (Verse 5) The Bible and Bible study aids, such as the journal you are reading, are a source of spiritual food that satisfies our need to know the meaning of life and God’s purpose for us.

Spiritual Gems

w11 2/15 24 ¶1-3

Love Righteousness With All Your Heart

BY MEANS OF his Word and his holy spirit, Jehovah is leading his people in “the tracks of righteousness.” (Ps. 23:3) Since we are imperfect, however, we tend to deviate from that path. To return to doing what is right calls for determined effort. What will help us to succeed? Like Jesus, we must love doing what is right.​—Read Psalm 45:7.

² What are “the tracks of righteousness”? A track is a narrow footpath or trail. These “tracks” are determined by Jehovah’s standard of righteousness. In Hebrew and Greek, “righteousness” refers to that which is “upright,” implying a strict adherence to moral principles. Since Jehovah is “the abiding place of righteousness,” his worshippers are happy to look to him to determine the morally upright path that they should follow.​—Jer. 50:7.

³ Only by striving with all our heart to conform to God’s righteous standards will we be found fully pleasing to him. (Deut. 32:4) That begins with learning all we can about Jehovah God from his Word, the Bible. The more we learn about him, drawing closer to him every day, the more we will love his righteousness. (Jas. 4:8) We must also accept the guidance of God’s inspired Word when we are called upon to make important decisions in life.

APRIL 8-14

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 26-28

How David Fortified His Integrity

w04 12/1 14 ¶8-9

Walk in the Way of Integrity

⁸ David prayed: “Examine me, O Jehovah, and put me to the test; refine my kidneys and my heart.” (Psalm 26:2) The kidneys are positioned deep within the body. Figuratively, the kidneys represent one’s deepest thoughts and emotions. And the figurative heart is the total inner person​—his motivation, feelings, and intellect. When David asked Jehovah to examine him, he prayed that his innermost thoughts and feelings be searched and scrutinized.

⁹ David pleaded that his kidneys and his heart be refined. How does Jehovah refine what we are on the inside? David sang: “I shall bless Jehovah, who has given me advice. Really, during the nights my kidneys have corrected me.” (Psalm 16:7) What does that mean? It means that divine counsel reached the deepest parts of David’s being and settled there, correcting his innermost thoughts and emotions. So it can be with us if we appreciatively reflect on the counsel that we receive through God’s Word, his representatives, and his organization and allow it to settle deep within us. Regularly praying to Jehovah to refine us in this way will help us walk in integrity.

w04 12/1 15 ¶12-13

Walk in the Way of Integrity

¹² Referring to yet another factor that fortified his integrity, David said: “I have not sat with men of untruth; and with those who hide what they are I do not come in. I have hated the congregation of evildoers, and with the wicked ones I do not sit.” (Psalm 26:4, 5) David simply would not sit with the wicked. He hated bad associations.

¹³ What about us? Do we refuse to sit with men of untruth through television programs, videos, motion pictures, Internet sites, or other means? Do we stay away from those who hide what they are? Some at school or at our place of employment may feign friendship with us for devious purposes. Do we really want to develop close ties with those who do not walk in God’s truth? Behind claims of sincerity, apostates may also hide their intent to draw us away from serving Jehovah. What if there are some in the Christian congregation who live double lives? They too conceal what they truly are. Jayson, now serving as a ministerial servant, had friends like that in his youth. About them, he says: “One day one of them said to me: ‘It doesn’t matter what we do now because when the new system comes, we’re just going to be dead. We’re not going to know that we missed anything.’ That kind of talk came as a wake-up call for me. I do not want to be dead when the new system comes.” Jayson wisely cut off his association with such ones. “Do not be misled,” warned the apostle Paul. “Bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) How vital that we avoid bad associations!

w04 12/1 16 ¶17-18

Walk in the Way of Integrity

¹⁷ The tabernacle, with its altar for sacrifices, was the center of Jehovah’s worship in Israel. Expressing his delight in that place, David prayed: “Jehovah, I have loved the dwelling of your house and the place of the residing of your glory.”​—Psalm 26:8.

¹⁸ Do we love assembling at places where we learn about Jehovah? Every Kingdom Hall with its regular program of spiritual instruction serves as the center of true worship in the community. In addition, we have our annual conventions, circuit assemblies, and special assembly days. Jehovah’s “reminders” are discussed at such meetings. If we learn to “love them exceedingly,” we will be eager to attend meetings and we will be attentive while there. (Psalm 119:167) How refreshing it is to be with fellow believers who are interested in our personal welfare and who help us stay on an integrity-keeping course!​—Hebrews 10:24, 25.

APRIL 15-21

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 29-31

Discipline​—An Expression of God’s Love

it-1 802 ¶3

Face

To ‘conceal the face’ has a variety of meanings, depending on the circumstance. Jehovah God’s concealing his face often signifies a withdrawal of his favor or his sustaining power. This may be as a consequence of the disobedience of the individual or body of persons involved, such as the nation of Israel. (Job 34:29; Ps 30:5-8; Isa 54:8; 59:2) In some cases it may denote that Jehovah refrains from revealing himself by action or reply, awaiting his own due time. (Ps 13:1-3) David’s request, “Conceal your face from my sins,” petitioned God to pardon or set aside such transgressions.​—Ps 51:9; compare Ps 10:11.

APRIL 22-28

Spiritual Gems

w06 5/15 20 ¶1

Highlights From Book One of Psalms

33:6; footnote​—What is “the spirit,” or “breath,” of Jehovah’s mouth? This spirit is God’s active force, or holy spirit, which he used in creating the material heavens. (Genesis 1:1, 2) It is called the spirit of his mouth because, like a powerful breath, it can be sent forth to accomplish things at a distance.

APRIL 29–MAY 5

TREASURES FROM GOD’S WORD | PSALMS 34-35

“Praise Jehovah at All Times”

w07 3/1 22 ¶11

Let Us Exalt Jehovah’s Name Together

¹¹ “I will bless Jehovah at all times; constantly his praise will be in my mouth.” (Psalm 34:1) Living as an outcast, David must have had many material concerns, but as these words show, his daily cares did not overshadow his determination to praise Jehovah. What a fine example for us when we face hardships! Whether we are at school, at work, with fellow Christians, or in the public ministry, our uppermost desire should be to praise Jehovah. Just think of the countless reasons we have to do so! For example, there is no end to what we can discover and enjoy in Jehovah’s marvelous works of creation. And consider what he has accomplished by means of the earthly part of his organization! Although they are imperfect, Jehovah has used faithful humans mightily in modern times. How do God’s works compare with those of men who are idolized by the world? Do you not agree with David, who also wrote: “There is none like you among the gods, O Jehovah, neither are there any works like yours”?​—Psalm 86:8.

w07 3/1 22 ¶13

Let Us Exalt Jehovah’s Name Together

¹³ “In Jehovah my soul will make its boast; the meek ones will hear and will rejoice.” (Psalm 34:2) David did not here boast of any personal accomplishments. For example, he did not brag about the way he deceived the king of Gath. He realized that Jehovah protected him when he was in Gath and that he escaped with Jehovah’s help. (Proverbs 21:1) Hence, David boasted, not in himself, but in Jehovah. Because of this, meek ones were drawn to Jehovah. Jesus likewise magnified the name of Jehovah, and this drew humble, teachable people to Him. Today, meek ones of all nations are drawn to the international congregation of anointed Christians, of which Jesus is the Head. (Colossians 1:18) The hearts of such meek ones are touched when they hear God’s name glorified by his humble servants and when they hear the Bible’s message, which God’s holy spirit enables them to grasp.​—John 6:44; Acts 16:14.

w07 3/1 23 ¶15

Let Us Exalt Jehovah’s Name Together

¹⁵ “I inquired of Jehovah, and he answered me, and out of all my frights he delivered me.” (Psalm 34:4) This experience was important to David. Hence, he went on to say: “This afflicted one called, and Jehovah himself heard. And out of all his distresses He saved him.” (Psalm 34:6) When associating with fellow believers, we have many opportunities to relate upbuilding experiences of how Jehovah has helped us to endure difficult circumstances. This strengthens the faith of our fellow believers, just as David’s expressions strengthened the faith of his supporters. In David’s case, his companions “looked to [Jehovah] and became radiant, and their very faces could not possibly be ashamed.” (Psalm 34:5) Though on the run from King Saul, they did not feel ashamed. They were confident that God was backing David, and their faces were radiant. In a similar way, newly interested ones as well as those who have been true Christians for a long time look to Jehovah for support. Since they have personally experienced his help, their radiant faces reflect their determination to remain faithful.

Spiritual Gems

w06 5/15 20 ¶2

Highlights From Book One of Psalms

35:19​—What is the meaning of David’s request not to let those hating him wink their eye? The winking of an eye would indicate that David’s enemies were deriving pleasure from the success of their spiteful plans against him. David requested that this not happen.