Thursday, October 16
Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.—Ps. 34:18.
David faced many distressing circumstances in his life. (1 Sam. 30:3-6) His inspired words reveal that Jehovah knew his feelings. (Ps. 56:8) God knows our feelings as well. When we are “broken at heart” or “crushed in spirit,” he draws near to us. This in itself may give us a measure of comfort, as it did David, who sang: “I will be joyful and rejoice in your loving-kindness, in that you have seen my affliction; you have known about the distresses of my soul.” (Ps. 31:7) But Jehovah does more than just notice our distress. He sustains us by providing comfort and encouragement. One way he does this is by means of Christian meetings. The stress of dealing with the injustices of Satan’s world can wear us down. Meeting together with our brothers refreshes us and helps us retain our joy in serving Jehovah. w12 4/15 5:14, 15
Commentary
The Watchtower has built an imaginary world, a world where there are no problems, no injustices – a spiritual paradise, so-called. Like many of the cults that exist in Satan’s world the Watchtower has convinced Jehovah’s Witnesses that all their problems, all wrongs and injustices, are on the outside – in Satan’s world. So, the solution to oppression and discouragement can only be found in the kingdom hall.
But what if the congregation itself is the source of discouragement and injustice? If that is the case then Jehovah’s Witnesses can expect no sympathy from the Watchtower Society.
To the growing numbers of disillusioned JW’s today’s verse has even greater meaning. Jehovah is near to those who have been crushed by abusers. He comforts those who are heart broken over the hypocrisy and heartlessness on display by the leaders of the organization.
