What Is Paramount in Your Life?

“Make known to me the way in which I should walk.”—PSALM 143:8.

1. What did King Solomon conclude about human pursuits and accomplishments?

YOU probably know as well as anyone that life is filled with activities and concerns. When you think about it, you can identify some of those as being essential. Other activities and concerns are less important or even vain. That you realize this means you are in harmony with one of the wisest men ever, King Solomon. After having thoroughly reviewed life’s activities, he concluded: “Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man.” (Ecclesiastes 2:4-9, 11; 12:13) What significance does this have for us today?

2. What basic question should God-fearing people ask themselves, leading to what related questions?

² If you want to “fear the true God and keep his commandments,” ask yourself this challenging question, ‘What is paramount in my life?’ Granted, you might not ponder that question daily, but why not consider it now? In fact, it suggests some related questions, such as, ‘Might I be putting undue emphasis on my job or profession or on material things? Where do my home, family, and loved ones fit into the picture?’ A youth may ask, ‘To what extent does education take up my attention and time? Really, is a hobby, sport, or some form of entertainment or technology my prime interest?’ And no matter what our age or situation, we should rightly ask, ‘What place does serving God have in my life?’ You would likely agree on the need for priorities. But how and where can we gain assistance to set them wisely?

3. What does establishing priorities involve for Christians?

³ “Paramount” has the basic sense of something that comes ahead of all else or needs to be considered first. Whether you are one of Jehovah’s Witnesses or you are among the millions of sincere students of God’s Word associated with them, consider this truth: “For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under the heavens.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) Rightfully, that includes your showing loving concern for family relationships. (Colossians 3:18-21) It involves making honest provision for your household by means of secular work. (2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; 1 Timothy 5:8) And for a change of pace, you may take time out for a hobby or occasional entertainment or recreation. (Compare Mark 6:31.) Upon serious thought, though, do you not see that none of these are paramount in life? Something else is more important.

4. How does Philippians 1:9, 10 relate to our setting priorities?

⁴ You probably recognize that the Bible’s guiding principles are valuable aids in setting priorities and making wise decisions. For example, at Philippians 1:9, 10, Christians are urged to “abound yet more and more with accurate knowledge and full discernment.” To what end? The apostle Paul added: “That you may make sure of the more important things.” Does that not make sense? On the basis of accurate knowledge, a discerning Christian can determine what should be of first interest—paramount—in life.

A Model as to What Is Paramount

5. In describing the model left for Christians, how do the Scriptures show what was paramount in Jesus’ life?

⁵ We find a precious facet of knowledge in the apostle Peter’s words: “To this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving you a model for you to follow his steps closely.” (1 Peter 2:21) Yes, for clues as to what is paramount in life, we can examine what Jesus Christ thought about it. Psalm 40:8 said prophetically of him: “To do your will, O my God, I have delighted, and your law is within my inward parts.” This is how he stated the same thought: “My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.”—John 4:34; Hebrews 12:2.

6. How can we have the same results as Jesus did in putting God’s will first?

⁶ Note that key—the doing of God’s will. Jesus’ example emphasizes what his disciples should rightly make paramount in their lives, for he said that “everyone that is perfectly instructed will be like his teacher.” (Luke 6:40) And as Jesus walked in the way his Father purposed, he showed that there was “rejoicing to satisfaction” in keeping God’s will paramount. (Psalm 16:11; Acts 2:28) Do you see what that implies? As Jesus’ followers choose the doing of God’s will as the paramount thing in their lives, they will enjoy “rejoicing to satisfaction” and real life. (1 Timothy 6:19) So there is more than one reason for the doing of God’s will to be the priority in our lives.

7, 8. What trials did Jesus face, and what can we learn from this?

⁷ Right after Jesus symbolized the presentation of himself to do God’s will, the Devil sought to turn him aside. How? With temptation in three areas. Each time Jesus replied in Scriptural, unequivocal terms. (Matthew 4:1-10) But further trials awaited him—persecution, ridicule, betrayal by Judas, false accusations, and then death on a torture stake. Still, none of these trials made God’s loyal Son swerve from his course. At a critical point, Jesus prayed: “Not as I will, but as you will. . . . Let your will take place.” (Matthew 26:39, 42) Should not each of us be deeply moved by this aspect of the model left for us, causing us to “persevere in prayer”?—Romans 12:12.

⁸ Yes, when we set our priorities in life, divine guidance is particularly helpful, especially if we face enemies of truth and opposers of God’s will. Call to mind faithful King David’s entreaty for guidance when he experienced enemy opposition. We will see this as we consider a portion of Psalm 143. This should help us to discern how we can strengthen our personal relationship with Jehovah and be fortified to keep the doing of God’s will foremost in our lives.

Jehovah Hears and Answers Our Prayers

9. (a) Though David was a sinner, what do his words and actions reveal? (b) Why should we not give up in doing what is right?

⁹ Though a sinful mortal, David had faith that Jehovah would give ear to his entreaty. He humbly pleaded: “O Jehovah, hear my prayer; do give ear to my entreaty. In your faithfulness answer me in your righteousness. And do not enter into judgment with your servant; for before you no one alive can be righteous.” (Psalm 143:1, 2) David was conscious of his imperfection, yet his heart was complete toward God. Thus, he was confident that he would receive an answer in righteousness. Does this not encourage us? Even though we fall short of God’s righteousness, we can be confident that he hears us if our hearts are complete toward him. (Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1 John 5:14) While persevering in prayer, we must be intent on “conquering the evil with the good” in these wicked days.—Romans 12:20, 21; James 4:7.

10. Why did David have anxious periods?

¹⁰ David had enemies, just as we do. Whether as a fugitive from Saul, forced to seek refuge in lonely, inaccessible places, or as a king harassed by enemies, David had his anxious periods. He described how this affected him: “The enemy has pursued my soul . . . He has caused me to dwell in dark places . . . And my spirit faints away within me; in the midst of me my heart shows itself numbed.” (Psalm 143:3, 4) Have you had reason to feel similarly?

11. What anxious moments have God’s modern-day servants faced?

¹¹ Enemy pressure, trials because of severe economic hardship, serious illness, or other worrisome problems have led some of God’s people to feel that their spirit would give out. On occasion their hearts too have been as if numb. It is as if individually they have cried: “Because you have made me see many distresses and calamities, may you revive me again . . . May you surround and comfort me.” (Psalm 71:20, 21) How have they been helped?

How to Face Enemy Efforts

12. How did King David cope with danger and trials?

¹² Psalm 143:5 indicates what David did when beset with danger and great trials: “I have remembered days of long ago; I have meditated on all your activity; I willingly kept myself concerned with the work of your own hands.” David called to mind God’s dealings with His servants and how he himself had experienced deliverance. He meditated on what Jehovah had done for the sake of His great name. Yes, David kept himself concerned with God’s works.

13. When we face trials, how will our reflecting on ancient and modern examples of faithful servants help us to endure?

¹³ Have we not often recalled God’s dealings with his people? Surely! This includes the record made by the ‘great cloud of witnesses’ in pre-Christian times. (Hebrews 11:32-38; 12:1) Anointed Christians in the first century were also encouraged to “keep on remembering the former days” and what they had endured. (Hebrews 10:32-34) What about the experiences of God’s servants in modern times, such as those recounted in Jehovah’s Witnesses—Proclaimers of God’s Kingdom?a Accounts documented there and elsewhere enable us to recall how Jehovah has helped his people to endure bans, imprisonments, mob action, and concentration and slave-labor camps. There have been trials in war-torn lands, such as Burundi, Liberia, Rwanda, and the former Yugoslavia. When opposition manifested itself, God’s servants endured because of maintaining a strong relationship with Jehovah. His hand sustained those who made the doing of his will paramount in their lives.

14. (a) What is one example of God’s sustaining a person in a situation that might be similar to ours? (b) What do you glean from that example?

¹⁴ However, you may respond that you have not experienced such brutal abuse, and you may feel that it is unlikely that you ever will. God’s support of his people, though, has not always been in what some might view as dramatic circumstances. He has supported many “average” individuals in “normal” circumstances. Here is just one of many examples: The Watchtower of December 1, 1996, contained an account told by Penelope Makris. What a splendid example of Christian integrity! Can you call to mind what she endured from neighbors, how she battled severe infirmities, and what efforts she put forth to stay in the full-time ministry? What about her rewarding experience in Mytilene? The point is, Do you see such examples as helps for all of us in setting priorities, putting the doing of God’s will first in our lives?

15. What are some of Jehovah’s doings on which we should meditate?

¹⁵ It strengthens us to meditate on Jehovah’s activities, as David did. In working out his purpose, Jehovah made provision for salvation through his Son’s death, resurrection, and glorification. (1 Timothy 3:16) He has established his heavenly Kingdom, cleared the heavens of Satan and his demons, and restored true worship here on earth. (Revelation 12:7-12) He has built up a spiritual paradise and has blessed his people with increase. (Isaiah 35:1-10; 60:22) His people are now giving a final witness before the outbreak of the great tribulation. (Revelation 14:6, 7) Yes, we have much on which to meditate.

16. With what are we encouraged to be concerned, and what will this impress upon us?

¹⁶ Keeping ourselves concerned with the work of God’s hands rather than becoming preoccupied with human endeavors impresses upon us that Jehovah’s applied power is irresistible. Those works, though, are not limited to the wonderful physical works of creation in the heavens and here upon the earth. (Job 37:14; Psalm 19:1; 104:24) His wonderful works include acts of deliverance for his people from enemy oppressors, as demonstrated in the experiences of his ancient chosen people.—Exodus 14:31; 15:6.

Knowing the Way in Which to Walk

17. How real was Jehovah to David, and how can we be reassured by this?

¹⁷ David prayed for aid lest life’s moisture dry up in him: “I have spread out my hands to you; my soul is like an exhausted land to you. O hurry, answer me, O Jehovah. My spirit has come to an end. Do not conceal your face from me, or else I must become comparable with those going down into the pit.” (Psalm 143:6, 7) David, a sinner, knew that God was aware of his situation. (Psalm 31:7) At times we too may feel that our spirituality has reached a low ebb. But the situation is not hopeless. Jehovah, who hears our prayers, may speed up our restoration by refreshing us through loving elders, articles in The Watchtower, or meeting parts that seem designed just for us.—Isaiah 32:1, 2.

18, 19. (a) What should be our earnest entreaty to Jehovah? (b) Of what can we be certain?

¹⁸ Our trust in Jehovah moves us to entreat him: “Cause me to hear your loving-kindness, for in you I have put my trust. Make known to me the way in which I should walk.” (Psalm 143:8) Did he fail Sister Makris, who was isolated on a Greek isle? So will he fail you as you make the doing of his will the paramount thing in your life? The Devil and his agents would like to hinder or completely stop our work of proclaiming God’s Kingdom. Whether we serve in lands where true worship is generally allowed or we serve where it is suppressed, our united prayers harmonize with David’s petition: “Deliver me from my enemies, O Jehovah. I have taken cover even with you.” (Psalm 143:9) Our security against spiritual calamity lies in dwelling in the secret place of the Most High.—Psalm 91:1.

¹⁹ Our conviction of what is paramount is solidly based. (Romans 12:1, 2) Resist, then, the world’s efforts to impose upon you what it thinks is important in the human scheme of things. Continue to let every aspect of your life reflect what you know is paramount—the doing of God’s will.—Matthew 6:10; 7:21.

20. (a) What have we learned about David at Psalm 143:1-9? (b) How do Christians today reflect David’s spirit?

²⁰ The first nine verses 1-9 of Psalm 143 underline David’s close personal relationship with Jehovah. When hemmed in by enemies, he freely entreated God for guidance. He poured out his heart, seeking help in the right way to walk. It is similar today with the remnant of spirit-anointed ones on earth and their companions. They consider their relationship with Jehovah to be precious as they entreat him for guidance. They keep foremost the doing of God’s will, despite pressures from the Devil and the world.

21. Why is it important for us to set a good example if we are to teach others what should be paramount in their lives?

²¹ Millions who are studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses need to recognize that the doing of God’s will is paramount. We can help them to understand this when discussing chapter 13 of the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, which stresses principles involved in being obedient to the Word.b Of course, they should see exemplified in us what we are teaching them. After a relatively short period of time, they too will come to know the way in which they should walk. As these millions personally perceive what should be of uppermost importance in their lives, many will be moved to take the steps of dedication and baptism. Thereafter, the congregation can help them to keep walking in the way of life.

22. What questions will be taken up in the following article?

²² Many readily acknowledge that God’s will should be of utmost importance in their lives. How, though, does Jehovah progressively teach his servants to do his will? What benefits does this bring to them? These questions will be taken up, along with a discussion of a key verse, Psalm 143:10, in the following article.

Taught to Do Jehovah’s Will

“Teach me to do your will, for you are my God.”—PSALM 143:10.

1, 2. (a) When should we be taught, and with what realistic view? (b) Why is being taught by Jehovah so vital?

EVERY day that a person is alive and active, he can be taught something worthwhile. That is true in your case, and it is true of others. But what happens at death? It is not possible to be taught anything or to learn in that condition. The Bible clearly says that the dead “are conscious of nothing at all.” There is no knowledge in Sheol, the common grave of mankind. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10) Does this mean that our being taught, accumulating knowledge, is in vain? That depends on what we are taught and on how we use that knowledge.

² If we are taught only what is worldly, we have no lasting future. Happily, though, millions of people in all nations are being taught the divine will with a view to everlasting life. The basis for this hope lies in being taught by Jehovah, the Source of life-giving knowledge.—Psalm 94:9-12.

3. (a) Why can it be said that Jesus was God’s first student? (b) What assurance do we have that humans would be taught by Jehovah, and with what result?

³ God’s firstborn Son, as His first student, was taught to do his Father’s will. (Proverbs 8:22-30; John 8:28) In turn, Jesus indicated that myriads of humans would be taught by his Father. What are the prospects for those of us who learn from God? Jesus said: “It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they will all be taught by Jehovah.’ Everyone that has heard from the Father and has learned comes to me. . . . Most truly I say to you, He that believes has everlasting life.”—John 6:45-47.

4. How are millions of people affected by divine teaching, and what prospects do they have?

⁴ Jesus was quoting from Isaiah 54:13, which was addressed to God’s symbolic woman, heavenly Zion. That prophecy has particular application to her sons, the 144,000 spirit-begotten disciples of Jesus Christ. A remnant of those spiritual sons is active today, spearheading a global teaching program. As a result, millions of others who make up “a great crowd” also benefit from being taught by Jehovah. They have the unique prospect of learning without death interrupting the process. How so? Well, they are in line to survive the fast-approaching “great tribulation” and to enjoy everlasting life on a paradise earth.—Revelation 7:9, 10, 13-17.

Greater Emphasis on Doing God’s Will

5. (a) What is the yeartext for 1997? (b) How should we feel about attending Christian meetings?

⁵ During 1997, in over 80,000 congregations worldwide, Jehovah’s Witnesses will keep close in mind the opening words of Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do your will.” That will be the yeartext for 1997. Those words, prominently displayed in Kingdom Halls, will serve as a reminder that an outstanding place to receive divine education is at congregation meetings, where we can share in an ongoing program of instruction. When joining our brothers at meetings to be taught by our Grand Instructor, we can feel as the psalmist, who wrote: “I rejoiced when they were saying to me: ‘To the house of Jehovah let us go.’”—Psalm 122:1; Isaiah 30:20.

6. In the words of David, what do we acknowledge?

⁶ Yes, we desire to be taught to do God’s will rather than the will of our adversary the Devil or the will of imperfect humans. So, like David, we acknowledge the God whom we worship and serve: “For you are my God. Your spirit is good; may it lead me in the land of uprightness.” (Psalm 143:10) Instead of wanting to mix with men of untruth, David preferred to be where Jehovah’s worship was carried on. (Psalm 26:4-6) With God’s spirit to direct his steps, David could tread in the tracks of righteousness.—Psalm 17:5; 23:3.

7. How has God’s spirit operated on the Christian congregation?

⁷ The Greater David, Jesus Christ, assured the apostles that the holy spirit would teach them all things and bring back to their minds all the things he had told them. (John 14:26) From Pentecost onward, Jehovah has progressively been revealing “the deep things of God” contained in his written Word. (1 Corinthians 2:10-13) This he has done through a visible channel that Jesus termed “the faithful and discreet slave.” It provides spiritual food that is considered in the teaching program for congregations of God’s people worldwide.—Matthew 24:45-47.

Taught Jehovah’s Will at Our Meetings

8. Why is sharing in the Watchtower Study so valuable?

⁸ Material in the weekly congregation Watchtower Study frequently deals with the application of Bible principles. This certainly helps us to cope with life’s anxieties. In other studies profound spiritual truths or Bible prophecies are considered. How much we are taught during such studies! In many lands Kingdom Halls are filled to capacity for these meetings. Yet in a number of countries, meeting attendance has declined. Why, do you think? Might some be allowing secular work to interfere with their assembling together regularly “to incite to love and fine works”? Or might many hours be spent in social activities or in watching television, making the schedule seem too tight to get to all the meetings? Recall the inspired injunction at Hebrews 10:23-25. Is not gathering together for divine instruction even more important now as we “behold the day drawing near”?

9. (a) How can the Service Meeting equip us for the ministry? (b) What should be our attitude about witnessing?

⁹ One of our foremost responsibilities is that of serving as God’s ministers. The Service Meeting is designed to teach us how we can accomplish this effectively. We learn how to approach people, what to say, the way to react when there is a favorable response, and even what to do when people reject our message. (Luke 10:1-11) As effective methods are discussed and demonstrated in this weekly meeting, we are better prepared to reach people not only when going from house to house but also when preaching on the streets, in parking lots, on public transportation, at airports, at businesses, or in schools. In line with our request, “Teach me to do your will,” we will want to take advantage of every opportunity to do as our Master urged: “Let your light shine before men, that they may . . . give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.”—Matthew 5:16.

10. How can we truly help ‘deserving ones’?

¹⁰ At such congregation meetings, we are also taught to make disciples of others. Once interest is found or literature is placed, our aim when making return visits is to start home Bible studies. In a sense, this is similar to the disciples’ ‘staying with deserving ones’ so as to teach them the things that Jesus had commanded. (Matthew 10:11; 28:19, 20) Having excellent helps, such as the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, we really are well equipped to accomplish our ministry thoroughly. (2 Timothy 4:5) Each week as you attend the Service Meeting and Theocratic Ministry School, endeavor to grasp and then use helpful points that will recommend you as one of God’s adequately qualified ministers, carrying out his will.—2 Corinthians 3:3, 5; 4:1, 2.

11. How have some demonstrated faith in the words found at Matthew 6:33?

¹¹ It is God’s will that we “keep on . . . seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) Ask yourself, ‘How would I apply this principle if demands at my [or my mate’s] secular job interfered with meeting attendance?’ Many spiritually mature ones would take steps to speak to their employers about the matter. One full-time minister let her employer know that she needed to have time off each week in order to attend congregation meetings. He granted the request. But being curious about what takes place at the meetings, he asked to attend. There he heard an announcement concerning an upcoming district convention. As a result, the employer arranged to spend an entire day at the convention. What lesson do you draw from this example?

Taught Jehovah’s Will by Godly Parents

12. For children to be taught Jehovah’s will, what should Christian parents do with patience and firmness?

¹² But congregation meetings and conventions are not the only provision for being taught to do the divine will. Godly parents are commanded to train, discipline, and bring up their children to praise Jehovah and do his will. (Psalm 148:12, 13; Proverbs 22:6, 15) Doing so requires that we take our “little ones” to meetings where they can ‘listen and learn,’ but what about teaching them from the holy writings at home? (Deuteronomy 31:12; 2 Timothy 3:15) Many families have conscientiously begun programs of regular family Bible study, only to allow these to fade or fall into neglect before long. Have you had such an experience? Will you conclude that the recommendation to have such a regular study is misdirected or that your family is so different that it just will not work in your case? Whatever the situation, you parents please review the fine articles “Our Rich Spiritual Heritage” and “The Rewards of Persistence” in The Watchtower of August 1, 1995.

13. How can families benefit from considering the daily text?

¹³ Families are encouraged to make a habit of considering the daily text from Examining the Scriptures Daily. Just reading the text and comments is good, but discussing the text and applying it is more beneficial. For example, if considering Ephesians 5:15-17, family members could reason on how to ‘buy out opportune time’ for personal study, to share in some form of the full-time ministry, and to care for other theocratic assignments. Yes, a family discussion of the daily text could lead one or many to “go on perceiving [more fully] what the will of Jehovah is.”

14. What kind of teachers does Deuteronomy 6:6, 7 indicate parents should be, calling for what?

¹⁴ Parents must be assiduous teachers of their children. (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) But it is not simply a matter of lecturing or commanding their offspring. Father and mother also need to listen, in that way being better able to know what needs to be explained, clarified, illustrated, or repeated. In one Christian family, the parents stimulate open communication by encouraging their children to ask questions about things that they do not understand or that cause concern. They thus learned that a teenage son had difficulty comprehending that Jehovah does not have a beginning. The parents were able to use information from the Watch Tower Society’s publications showing that time and space are accepted as endless. That served to illustrate the point, and it satisfied their son. So take time to answer clearly and from the Scriptures your children’s questions, helping them to see that learning to do God’s will can be very satisfying. What else are God’s people—young and old—being taught today?

Taught to Love and to Fight

15. When might the genuineness of our brotherly love be tested?

¹⁵ In harmony with Jesus’ new command, we are “taught by God to love one another.” (1 Thessalonians 4:9) When things are tranquil and going well, we may feel that we do love all our brothers. Yet what happens when personal differences arise or we become offended because of what another Christian says or does? At this point the genuineness of our love may be put to the test. (Compare 2 Corinthians 8:8.) What does the Bible teach us to do in such situations? One thing is to strive to show love in the fullest sense. (1 Peter 4:8) Rather than looking for our own interests, getting provoked over minor shortcomings, or keeping an account of an injury, we should work at letting love cover a multitude of sins. (1 Corinthians 13:5) We know this is God’s will, for it is what his Word teaches.

16. (a) In what kind of warfare are Christians taught to engage? (b) How are we equipped?

¹⁶ While many would not link love and warfare, the latter is something else we are being taught, but a distinct type of warfare. David recognized his dependence on Jehovah to teach him how to carry on warfare, though in his time that included literal fighting against Israel’s enemies. (1 Samuel 17:45-51; 19:8; 1 Kings 5:3; Psalm 144:1) What about our fight today? Our weapons are not fleshly. (2 Corinthians 10:4) Ours is a spiritual fight, for which we need to be equipped with spiritual armor. (Ephesians 6:10-13) Through his Word and his congregated people, Jehovah teaches us to wage a successful spiritual fight.

17. (a) What tactics does the Devil use to divert us? (b) What should we wisely avoid?

¹⁷ In deceptive, subtle ways, the Devil often uses elements of the world, apostates, and other opposers of the truth in an effort to divert us to side issues. (1 Timothy 6:3-5, 11; Titus 3:9-11) It is as if he sees that he has little chance of overcoming us by a direct, frontal attack, so he tries to trip us by getting us to express our pet peeves and foolish questionings, which are bereft of spiritual substance. As vigilant warriors, we should be just as alert to such dangers as we are to frontal assaults.—1 Timothy 1:3, 4.

18. What does living no longer for ourselves really involve?

¹⁸ We do not promote the desires of men or the will of the nations. Jehovah has taught us through Jesus’ example that we must live no longer for ourselves; rather, we should be armed with the same mental disposition that Christ Jesus had and live for God’s will. (2 Corinthians 5:14, 15) In the past, we may have lived a very immoderate, profligate life, squandering precious time. Revelries, drinking matches, and immorality characterize this wicked world. Now that we are being taught to do God’s will, are we not grateful to be separated from this corrupt world? So let us wage a hard fight spiritually to avoid getting involved with defiling worldly practices.—1 Peter 4:1-3.

Teaching Us to Benefit Ourselves

19. Being taught Jehovah’s will and then doing it will lead to what benefits?

¹⁹ It is imperative to recognize that being taught to do Jehovah’s will benefits us greatly. Understandably, we must do our part by paying close attention so as to learn and then follow the instructions that come to us through his Son as well as through his Word and congregated people. (Isaiah 48:17, 18; Hebrews 2:1) By our doing so, we will be fortified to stand firm in these calamitous times and weather the storms ahead. (Matthew 7:24-27) Even now, we will be pleasing God by doing his will and will be ensuring that our prayers are answered. (John 9:31; 1 John 3:22) And we will experience genuine happiness.—John 13:17.

20. On what would it be good to meditate as you see the yeartext throughout 1997?

²⁰ During the course of 1997, we will frequently have opportunity to read and consider the yeartext, Psalm 143:10: “Teach me to do your will.” As we do this, let us use some of the occasions to reflect on the provisions that God has made for us to be taught, as set out above. And let us use such meditation on those words as a stimulus to act consistently with that entreaty, knowing that “he that does the will of God remains forever.”—1 John 2:17.