Blondie's Comments You Will Not Hear at the February 19, 2017 WT Study (DECEMBER 2016)(ANXIETY)

by blondie 24 Replies latest jw friends

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  blondie

  BLONDIE’S comments You Will Not Hear at the FEBRUARY 19, 2017 WT Study (DECEMBER 2016) (THROW ANXIETY JEHOVAH)

  https://www.jw.org/en/publications/magazines/watchtower-study-december-2016/

  EXCELLENT GENERAL WEBSITE: www.jwfacts.com

  Bible translations www.biblegateway.com/cgi-bin/bible

  WT publications http://www.a2z.org/wtarchive/archive.htm (old)

  www.jw.org (new)

  WT child abuse www.watchtowerdocuments.com/

  Blood issue www.ajwrb.org

  United Nations http://www.randytv.com/secret/unitednations.htm

  OPENING COMMENTS

  Anxiety: How many times did you hear another jw especially an elder tell you

  that with god on your side, prayer, the paradise, how can any real or faithful jw be anxious?

  Or that they are never anxious, or that your bad choices have brought anxiety into your life.

  The title is just another way to say “wait on Jehovah” and you won’t be anxious.

  What is undue anxiety and what is proper anxiety per the WTS?

  How many places in this article do you find words or phrases put in brackets [] which is adding

  to the bible

  “Throw all your anxiety on [Jehovah], because he cares for you.”—1 PET. 5:7.

  SONGS: 38, 7

  CAN YOU EXPLAIN?

  • How can God’s Word relieve our anxiety?

  • How can you experience “the peace of God”?

  • How can the congregation help you to reduce anxiety?

    1, 2. (a) Why should we not be surprised when we experience some anxiety? (See opening picture.) (b) What will we consider in this article?

    WE LIVE in very stressful times. Satan the Devil is bitterly angry and “walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.” (1 Pet. 5:8; Rev. 12:17) Therefore, it is not surprising that at times even we, God’s servants, experience some feelings of anxiety. After all, on occasion, God-fearing servants of Jehovah in the past, such as King David, had “anxious concern.” (Ps. 13:2) Recall, too, that the apostle Paul experienced “anxiety for all the congregations.” (2 Cor. 11:28) But what can we do when we are overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety?

    2 Our loving heavenly Father came to the aid of his servants in the past, and today he makes it possible for us to gain considerable relief from distress or anxiety. The Bible urges us: “Throw all your anxiety [“cares; worries,” ftn.] on him, because he cares for you.” (1 Pet. 5:7) How, though, can you do that? Let us consider four ways that you can do so—by means of heartfelt prayer, by reading God’s Word and meditating on it, by tapping into Jehovah’s holy spirit, and by sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant. As we examine these four ways, see if you can identify practical steps that you want to take.

    COMMENTS

    Yes, if I had committed adultery in a country that executed adulterers, I would be anxious. And if I had someone murdered like David did, knowing if found out I would (not could) be executed under that nation’s laws. No wiggle room for repentant adulterers or murderers.

    “THROW YOUR BURDEN ON JEHOVAH”

    3. How can you “throw your burden on Jehovah” by means of prayer?

    3 A first step we can take is to approach Jehovah in earnest prayer. When you are confronted by situations that cause uneasiness, apprehension, or anxiety, pour out your heart to your loving heavenly Father. The psalmist David begged Jehovah: “Listen to my prayer, O God.” Then in the same psalm, he said: “Throw your burden on Jehovah, and he will sustain you.” (Ps. 55:1, 22) After you have done all you can to solve a problem, heartfelt prayer will certainly accomplish more than worry. But how can prayer help you to avoid becoming overwhelmed by disquieting thoughts and anguish?—Ps. 94:18, 19, ftn.

    COMMENTS

    Do you think that David was praying earnestly for god to relieve his anxiety and protect him from execution as an adulterer and murderer? No, that’s why he had Bathsheba’s husband killed to hide from his crime/sin. He was concealing it from humans….didn’t he believe god saw what he thought and did?

    Remember David’s other crime, numbering the people, who suffered, 70,000 Israelites who had no say in the matter.

    4. When we are anxious, why is prayer so important?

    4 Read Philippians 4:6, 7. Jehovah can respond to our earnest, heartfelt, and persistent supplications. How? By giving us inner calm that can free our mind and heart of disturbing emotions. Many can testify to this, based on their own experience. In place of anxiety, a distressing sense of foreboding, God helped them to gain a profound sense of peace and tranquillity that actually surpassed human understanding. That can be your experience too. Thus “the peace of God” can triumph over any challenge you may face. You can fully trust Jehovah’s compassionate promise: “Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you.”—Isa. 41:10.
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  blondie

  COMMENTS

  My siblings are were stalked by our pedophile father and not protected by our mother. We found ways to protect each other. So should we have prayed? Who would have helped us? Would we have found inner calm? Instead when we finally told elders in the congregation, we became the bad ones, pressured to shut up, no comfort, no protection.

  INNER PEACE FROM GOD’S WORD

  5. How can God’s Word bring us inner peace?

  5 A second way to gain inner peace is by reading Bible texts and meditating on them. Why is this important? The Bible contains practical spiritual guidance that can help you to avoid, reduce, or deal with anxiety. Do not overlook the fact that God’s Word is helpful and refreshing because it contains the Creator’s own words of wisdom. As you reflect on God’s thoughts—day or night—and consider how best to use the Bible’s practical guidance, you will be greatly strengthened. Jehovah specifically linked reading his Word with being “courageous and strong” and not being “struck with terror or fear.”—Josh. 1:7-9.

  COMMENTS

  So what bible texts defined child sexual abuse? Where did it say to go to authorities outside the family if the molester was your own parent? Instead these wise people say that there must be 2 eyewitnesses to this abuse.

  6. Jesus’ words can have what positive effect on you?

  6 In God’s Word, we find Jesus’ soothing sayings. His words and teachings were a source of refreshment to his listeners. Multitudes were drawn to him because he calmed troubled hearts, strengthened the weak, and consoled the depressed. (Read Matthew 11:28-30.) He showed loving consideration for others’ spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. (Mark 6:30-32) Jesus’ promise of support still applies. It can prove to be as true for you as it was for the apostles traveling with Jesus. You do not have to be in Jesus’ physical presence to benefit. As heavenly King, Jesus continues to have and show empathy. Thus, when you are anxious, he can mercifully ‘come to your aid’ and ‘help you at the right time.’ Yes, Jesus can help you to cope with distress, and he can fill your heart with hope and courage.—Heb. 2:17, 18; 4:16.

  COMMENTS

  So do we pray to Jesus or does god send our prayer onto him like an e-mail. The WTS teaches that Jesus does not listen to our prayers only god. Why then does the WTS spend so much time in the OT and in comparison to how often they mention Jehovah, they hardly mention Jesus except as the tool to provide everlasting life? Or why in the NT Jesus’ followers are only mentioned as witnesses of Jesus?

  When was the last time the elders provided for your physical needs, even a ride to the meeting? And consoling consisting of sharing 2 scriptures you already have read (as if the holy spirit has them read it the right way), tossing a photocopied article or two on your coffee table and then excused themselves and show themselves to the door, never touching you even to shake your hand, never confessing that they need consoling at times, but put forth the idea that strong jws don’t need consoling.

  GODLY QUALITIES PRODUCED BY GOD’S SPIRIT

  7. How will you benefit as God responds when you ask for holy spirit?

  7 Jesus promised that our Father in heaven will not fail to give holy spirit to those asking Him. (Luke 11:10-13) This puts at your disposal a third, powerful means to alleviate anxiety—the fruitage of the spirit. These positive qualities that are produced by God’s active force reflect the very personality of the almighty God. (Read Galatians 5:22, 23; Col. 3:10) As you cultivate the fruitage of that spirit, your relationship with others will improve. Thus, you will find that many situations that could otherwise cause anxiety do not arise. Reflect briefly on how the fruitage of the spirit will help you.

  COMMENTS

  He gives but you don’t believe it, or are guilty of a secret sin you are hiding from the elders, or are not worthy in some way. The WTS teaches that god does not listen to the prayers of non-jws because they ask for the wrong things.

  Yes, you are the cause of any problems because YOU are not exhibiting the fruits of the holy spirit. What if others in the congregation are not exhibiting those fruits? Will the problems they are causing not arise?

  8-12. How can the fruitage of God’s holy spirit help you to deal with or avoid stressful situations?

  8 “Love, joy, peace.” When you strive to deal respectfully with people, you will likely find that you are better able to deal with your own negative emotions. How is that so? Well, as you show brotherly love, tender affection, and honor, you will avoid situations that could cause anxiety.—Rom. 12:10.

  COMMENTS

  Again, YOU are the problem (because you are the one not dealing “respectfully with people”). “You will avoid situations (or people) that could cause anxiety” by not going to the meetings.

  9 “Patience, kindness, goodness.” You promote peaceful relationships by heeding the admonition: “Become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another.” (Eph. 4:32) In so doing, you prevent situations from developing that could otherwise cause anxiety. Also, you can deal more effectively with situations that arise because of human imperfection.

  COMMENTS

  Yes, YOU are the problem because you are not allowing people to lie about you, molest you or your children, believe the lies of the elders, etc. Child molestation arises out of human imperfection, does that you should forgive the molester and those who shield them?

  1995 Awake! 6/8 p9-11

  There may, however, be instances where we are not even obligated to forgive. No victim of extremes in unjust or cruel treatment should be forced to forgive an unrepentant wrongdoer. (Compare Psalm 139:21, 22.)
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  blondie

  10 “Faith.” Today, our anxiety is often related to concern over money and material possessions. (Prov. 18:11) Accordingly, strong faith in Jehovah’s loving care can help you to cope with or avoid such anxiety. How is that? You can avoid much anxiety by heeding the apostle Paul’s inspired counsel to be “content with the present things.” Paul adds: “For [God] has said: ‘I will never leave you, and I will never abandon you.’ So that we may be of good courage and say: ‘Jehovah is my helper; I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?’”—Heb. 13:5, 6.

  COMMENTS

  So should jws go without food for weeks, sleep on the streets, and still go to the meetings? Where is their helper….where are god’s representatives the jws, eating well at home, sleeping in their beds, believing it is not there responsibility to help jws with practical needs, because they are not spiritual enough?

  11 “Mildness, self-control.” Think how practical and effective it is for you to display those qualities. Thus, you will likely avoid actions that could cause anxiety for you personally, and you will benefit by avoiding “malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech.”—Eph. 4:31.

  COMMENTS

  So how do you avoid jws that are maliciously bitter towards you, angry, wrathful, screaming abusive speech? Don’t be around them. The WTS is saying it is happening to you because YOU are doing these things and that a good person would not be anxious if their so-called brothers are doing those things to them.

  12 Admittedly, you will need humility to yield to “the mighty hand of God” and to “throw all your anxiety on him.” (1 Pet. 5:6, 7) But as you cultivate humility, you will be on a path that results in God’s favor and support. (Mic. 6:8) By maintaining a realistic estimate of your physical, mental, and emotional abilities, you will be less likely to become overwhelmed by anxiety, for you will be relying on God.

  COMMENTS

  Under the mighty hand of the elders and the WTS

  Cultivate OBEDIENCE to imperfect men, only then will god help you

  The elders and others more qualified will make an estimate of your physical, mental and emotional abilities

  “NEVER BE ANXIOUS”

  13. What did Jesus mean when he said: “Never be anxious”?

  13 At Matthew 6:34 (read), we find Jesus’ profound advice: “Never be anxious.” It may, however, seem difficult to follow that advice. What did Jesus mean when he said: “Never be anxious”? Obviously, he could not have meant that a servant of God would not at some point in life experience anxiety; we have already noted the words of David and of Paul on this matter. But Jesus was helping his disciples to realize that undue, or extreme, anxiety does not solve problems. Each day has its own challenges, so Christians do not need to add anxious thoughts about the past or the future to the concerns of the present. How can you apply Jesus’ advice and experience relief from debilitating anxiety?

  COMMENTS

  David was anxious because he was an adulterer and murderer, murdering a man to hide his adultery.

  So is that the problem of anxious jws, worried about past sin that other jws keep bringing up 20 years after they were reinstated, or being told that the end is just around the corner at every meeting; or is the concerns of the present, food, shelter, safety, clothing. So who are these overly anxious jws that are supposedly popping antidepressants like candy and/or using alcohol to deal with the unloving, negative atmosphere at their supposed sanctuary the KH?

  14. How can you deal with anxiety about your past?

  14 Some anxiety may be caused by a person’s past actions or failings. He may be plagued with guilt about something he did in the past, even many years ago. At times, King David felt that his ‘errors loomed over his head.’ He admitted: “My anguished heart makes me groan aloud.” (Ps. 38:3, 4, 8, 18) In that situation, what was the wise thing for David to do? What did he do? He trusted in Jehovah’s mercy and forgiveness. With conviction he said: “Happy is the one whose transgression is pardoned.”—Read Psalm 32:1-3, 5.

  COMMENTS

  But what about the other repentant adulterers and murderers in the nation of Israel? Did God show them mercy and forgiveness? Why do we not read of any ordinary Israelites not being shown mercy?

  15. (a) Why should you not be anxious about the present? (b) What practical steps can you take to reduce anxiety? (See the box “ Some Practical Ways to Reduce Anxiety.”)

  15 At other times, you may become anxious about the present. For instance, when David wrote Psalm 55, he feared for his life. (Ps. 55:2-5) Nevertheless, he did not allow anxiety to destroy his confidence in Jehovah. David made his problems a subject of fervent prayer, but he also understood the value of taking practical steps to deal with the cause of the anxiety. (2 Sam. 15:30-34) Learn a lesson from David. Instead of allowing anxiety to overwhelm you, take what steps you can to deal with the situation and then confidently leave matters in Jehovah’s hands.

  COMMENTS

  So before Nathan the prophet confronted David with his serious sins, had David prayed fervently to god or was he trying to hide his sin from humans, knowing that murderers were put to death? David confessed only after reminding David that god knew he had done these things before other people, then David confessed. After all, who would inherit the promise of the kingship if god killed him?
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  blondie

  16. How can the meaning of God’s name strengthen your faith?

  16 Unwarranted anxiety often results if a Christian agonizes over possible future problems. However, you need not be consumed by anxiety, or worry, over events that you do not know anything about. Why not? Because things often do not turn out to be as bad as we feared they might be. Moreover, there is no situation beyond the control of the God on whom you can throw all your anxiety. His very name is understood to mean “He Causes to Become.” (Ex. 3:14) The profound meaning of the divine name assures us that God is fully capable of seeing to it that his purposes in behalf of his servants are carried out. You can be certain that God can reward his faithful ones and help them deal with anxiety about the past, the present, and the future.

  COMMENTS

  So what is unwarranted anxiety per the WTS? Possible future problems….like Armaggeddon? Not as bad as we feared? No situation beyond the control of God but the WTS only promises that the great crowd AS A GROUP will survive. And does the WTS consider you a faithful one?

  HEARTFELT COMMUNICATION

  17, 18. How can good communication help you to cope with anxiety?

  17 A fourth way to help you cope with anxiety is good communication, sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant. A marriage mate, a close friend, or a congregation elder may be able to help you to put your anxiety into perspective. “Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” (Prov. 12:25) Frank and honest communication can do much to help you to understand and deal with your concerns. The Bible tells us: “Plans fail when there is no consultation, but there is accomplishment through many advisers.”—Prov. 15:22.

  COMMENTS

  So have you found jws, even elders, to be a trusted confidant? Have you found that some version makes the gossip news faster than a tachyon? Previously, I said elders share 2 scriptures and give you photocopies of articles you have read and out the door. What do you think they say about you in the car on the ride home?

  18 Jehovah also helps Christians to deal with anxieties by means of weekly congregation meetings. There you can associate with fellow believers who are concerned about you and who want to encourage one another. (Heb. 10:24, 25) Such “an interchange of encouragement” will help to replenish your spiritual resources and make it easier for you to deal with any anxiety.—Rom. 1:12.

  COMMENTS

  The watered down versions of meetings, with videos, publications on i-pads that somehow no longer contain demons. Unsingable songs, elders who still bumble through the scripted parts, the only good part is no longer having to give talks in the school

  Associate with people who judge you, lucky if they say hi as they quickly walk by, to encourage their real friends on the other side of the hall. Nobody wants to be dragged down by your problems.

  YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD—YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH

  19. Why can you be confident that your relationship with God will strengthen you?

  19 Consider how a congregation elder in Canada learned the value of throwing his anxiety on Jehovah. He has a high-stress job as a schoolteacher and counselor, and he also has had to deal with an anxiety disorder. How has this brother coped? “Above all,” he explains, “I find that working hard to fortify my relationship with Jehovah gives me the greatest strength to cope with emotional difficulties. The support of true friends and spiritual brothers is vital in times of distress. I am open and honest with my wife about my feelings. Fellow elders and our circuit overseer were invaluable in helping me put things into perspective. I also sought medical help, made changes in the way I managed my time, and set aside time to relax and exercise. Gradually, I began to feel more in control. When there are things that I cannot control, I leave matters in Jehovah’s hands.”

  COMMENTS

  So when did this happen; if we went back and interviewed him how is he doing now? Medical help—anxiety disorder. Who did he consider his TRUE friends and why? Notice TRUE FRIENDS does not necessarily equal SPIRITUAL BROTHERS.

  20. (a) How can we throw our anxiety on God? (b) What will we discuss in the following article?

  20 In summary, we have noted the value of throwing our anxiety on God by means of heartfelt prayer and by reading his Word and meditating on it. We also considered the value of cultivating the fruitage of his spirit, sharing our feelings with a trusted confidant, and drawing strength from upbuilding Christian association. The next article will discuss how Jehovah further sustains us by providing us with the hope of a reward.—Heb. 11:6.

  COMMENTS

  Prayer to who, how do you know they listened and answered? Reading his Word without the WTS publications! Meditating on it or learning what the WTS says it means? Who is a trusted confidant in the WTS? What is a trusted confidant really? And if the association is not upbuilding do you go to a new congregation, stop going all together, or realize that YOU are seen as the problem?

  CONCLUDING COMMENTS

  I can’t find it and don’t have a WT-LIB up and running yet but in the days gone past there was an article about helping people at the KH. Two elders met with this sister that was very, very depressed. The 2 elders suggested she had a secret sin and this sister thought and thought about what it could be and finally asked them, if I make one up will you help me?

  That’s what I feel about this article. The WTS wants people who are anxious to find something they are doing wrong to fix the problem never admitting it could be people in the organization or unscriptural behavior on their part causing it.

  This weekend will be the 1-year anniversary of my secular retirement. I am going on an interview for a 10 hour a week job on Tuesday. So different from what I used to do, I now will be working with children, I hope.

  Love, Blondie
• 

  skin

  Thanks again Blondie
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  fastJehu

  @ Blondie

  The WTS wants people who are anxious to find something they are doing wrong to fix the problem never admitting it could be people in the organization or unscriptural behavior on their part causing it.

  Thanks for your review. You hit the nail.
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  DesirousOfChange

  I just can't read any of this drivel anymore.
  
• 

  blondie

  DOC, watching political shenangians is worse.
  
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  waton

  Thank you, now I am primed for listening to, not reading, this wt white wash.

  Blaming the victims, and giving the abusers a justification to keep acting as is, without cultivating the "new personality". spot on.
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  Muddy Waters

  Blondie, thank you for doing this…. I know you used to do it consistently for a very long time (amazing!) and I always appreciated your comments and insights.

  To see you do this again is a rare and wonderful treat -- though I'm sure it is hard-going at times!!

  I thought I'd inject a little of my own "commentary" as I read these WT paragraphs… And I almost had an anxiety attack just reading it!!
  
  It's incredible how I can now see the snippets of mind-control directives... But I also can see how an indoctrinated JW would "hear" or understand these directives or instructions…. It's subtle stuff at times!!!
  
  Anyway, here goes! Into the rabbit hole!!
  
  ...

  
  

  Title Scripture: "Throw all your anxiety on [Jehovah], because he cares for you" -- just reading this caused me to feel a spark of anxiety.

  When I saw the bracketed [Jehovah]… one realizes that the original must have said "the Lord" or something similar and much friendlier sounding.

  Right away, we have the authoritative, temperamental "Jehovah" presence looming above us, but then are immediately assured that he cares for us.

  The questions, Can you Explain? - direct us to the only places (read: only one place!) where we can ever really feel "free" from anxiety, or in a reduced anxious state. And that is with THEM! of course.

  ...

  Paragraph 1: Right off the bat -- "We live in very stressful times." -- gloom and doom and stress. Not just ordinary stress. VERY stressful. And they right away launch into our big, bad, scary enemy, SATAN! -- walking about like a lion who wants to devour us.
  

  But it is always the same scriptures. Same repetition. Same old stuff they say, over and over again.

  I instantly notice the weird way they talk and word things in the paragraph, attempting to draw you in (like an expert salesman) -- to get you to agree with them, or to share a common state or frame of mind: "Therefore, it is not surprising that at times, even we, God's servants, experience some feelings of anxiety…"

  (The "therefore" is supposed to be a comforting word, drawing a person to a reasonable conclusion, namely, theirs.)

  They list a few examples of faithful servants whom they call "God-fearing servants of Jehovah" -- but lookee the loaded language in that phrase alone: God-fearing! Servants!

  This phrase alone and its meanings and contexts and details have been studied to the 9th degree in other WT studies and books over the years and years and years…

  For example, the phrase, "godly-fear"…. and their correct definition, as only they can define it and truly understand it (unless it changes with new light!! bahahahahaha!!) - means to have "reverential awe", "godly respect", a "healthy fear of displeasing Jehovah", and a studious JW might want to look these WT articles up and refer to in their comments to win extra spiritual Brownie points.

  And their use of the word "servant" -- again studied to the 9th degree and all the ways to be that way: meek, submissive, obedient, respectful, humble, blah blah blah… !

  Notice the rather condescending & assuming question at the end of Paragraph 1: "But what can we do when we are overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety?"

  Oh my god. Not only may we be anxious, but we may be *overwhelmed* by anxiety!!! Heavens to betsy! Oh my goodness!! Oh no!! What oh what to do???? Quick, let us read on because the answer must be forthcoming!!

  ...

  Paragraph 2: Oh whew!! Our "loving heavenly Father" comes to the rescue! And again, they use the word "servants" and yet another Bible verse we've heard over and over and over again…

  But what are we to do wih this bible verse?? How do we meek, humble, obedient, submissive SERVANTS *apply* this verse?? oh, how oh how oh how? oh, what oh what to do?
  
  No fears, never worry! INSTANTLY come their answers, packaged up in a nice, neat, note-taking package -- there are 4 WAYS WE CAN DO SO!
  
  And any time a JW hears a number, they know that they need to "pay close attention" Because here will come a list of things we need to remember, do, look up, strive for, etc., to know how to apply this spiritual counsel. This becomes "behaviour control." What are the 4 steps…?

  The first three are fairly innocuous: pray, read God's word (rarely does any JW actually do this, they are too busy reading all the JW publications!), "tapping into Jehovah's holy spirit," (whatever the hell that means!) and AH HA! - HERE IT COMES: "….sharing your feelings with a trusted confidant."

  Did you get that?? It is only the 2nd paragraph, and by the end of it, the "direction from the Society", the "wisdom and teaching from the Governing Body", the people to whom we should SHARE OUR ANXIETY WITH --are who?? -- a trusted confident! In a JWs mind, this usually, or often, means the ELDERS. Maybe a spouse or friend or family member. But usually the direction this "confessional" goes is toward an elder.

  Anyway, wow, I'm only at the end of paragraph 2 and feel exhausted, lol.

  This stuff is INFURIATING to read now!!

  I shall continue a little later, if I can stand it, haha.

  My hat is off to you, Blondie, for having the where-with-all to stand this! :)