• You Can Find True Happiness
    The Watchtower (Study)—2022 | October

    • A TRUE-LIFE EXAMPLE

      14. What happened to a young brother in Tajikistan, and why?

      14 Real-life experiences confirm that the three steps we just considered do lead to true happiness, regardless of our circumstances. Consider what happened to 19-year-old Jovidon Bobojonov, from Tajikistan, who refused to take up military service. On October 4, 2019, he was abducted from his home, kept in detention for months, and treated like a criminal. This injustice received international attention. It was reported that he was beaten in an attempt to pressure him to take a military oath of allegiance and to put on a uniform. After that, he was convicted and sent to a labor camp until finally the president of the country pardoned him and ordered his release. Throughout the entire ordeal, Jovidon maintained his integrity and his happiness. How? By always being conscious of his spiritual need.

      Collage: Jovidon Bobojonov. 1. He looks out the window of his prison cell. 2. He reads the day’s text written on a grocery bag. 3. He prays.

      Jovidon took in spiritual food, lived by God’s standards, and put the worship of Jehovah first in his life (See paragraphs 15-17)

      15. How did Jovidon take in spiritual food while in prison?

      15 While in prison, Jovidon took in spiritual food, even when he did not have a Bible or any of our publications. How was that possible? Local brothers and sisters delivered physical food to him and wrote the day’s text on the grocery bags. Thus, he was able to read the Bible and meditate on it every day. After his release from prison, he had this advice for those who have not yet faced severe trials: “It is imperative that you use your freedom to the fullest to deepen your knowledge of Jehovah by reading his Word and our publications.”

      16. On what did Jovidon focus his thoughts?

      16 Our brother lived by Jehovah’s standards. Rather than dwell on wrong desires and get involved in bad conduct, he focused on Jehovah and on what He values. Jovidon marveled at the beauty of God’s creation. Every morning he woke up to the sounds of birds chirping and singing. At night he gazed at the moon and the stars. He said: “Those gifts from Jehovah made me feel happy and encouraged.” When we are grateful for Jehovah’s spiritual and physical provisions, we have a joyful heart, and that joy can strengthen our ability to endure.

      17. How can the words of 1 Peter 1:6, 7 apply to a person who might be in a situation similar to that of Jovidon?

      17 Jovidon also put the worship of Jehovah first. He knew the importance of keeping his integrity to the true God. Jesus said: “It is Jehovah your God you must worship, and it is to him alone you must render sacred service.” (Luke 4:8) Military commanders and soldiers wanted Jovidon to give up his religion. Instead, he prayed intensely every day and every night, asking Jehovah to help him not to give up and not to compromise his faith. In spite of the unjust treatment he received, Jovidon never did compromise. As a result, he can now greatly rejoice in having something he did not have before he was abducted, beaten, and imprisoned​—a tested faith.​—Read 1 Peter 1:6, 7.