I live in the New York City area, in the borough of Brooklyn. I have had the pleasure of experiencing many different nationalities and traditions here in this "melting pot", as it is called - this city with diverging cultures. With so many ethnic groups, it is not uncommon to experience those who have different religious beliefs and backgrounds. Despite the differences that people may have, I have found a few things to be true:

1) people want to be happy

2) people have an innate desire to worship - it may be an established deity, a way of life, a higher cause, a purpose or even just themselves

3) people long for something better - something that is fulfilling, that gives them a sense of being, security, and peace.

More and more it is becoming apparent that so many of the things around us fail to accomplish those basic truths.

People intrinsically want to be happy, but they don't really achieve that happiness. At times, those who dare to speak to them about this issue are greeting with a cynical response; with an immediate desire to avoid discussion of that subject.

Living for a higher purpose leaves many feeling flat. Some find their worship devoid of meaning or substance; others feel that the brass ring they have long searched for is just not attainable.

In efforts to find security, some move out of the cities, some move into the cities, others fortify their homes as if they were cities, but none of those actions bring the satisfaction for which they hunger.

Long ago a young man was inspired to write, "It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step."

He, too, came to recognize a vital truth. Despite the advancement the human race has made over the years - and our accomplishments have been great - we still don't know everything. Things that made SO much sense in man's history, now appear to be the epitome of foolishness. Time and education changes our perspective. The more we learn, the more we realize how much we don't know.

In fact, to truly learn requires humility. It requires that we allow ourselves to be taught. It requires that we accept correction.

People today offer that correction in self-help books, seminars and the like. Some of them are altruists and have concern for their fellow man. Yet still, those efforts don't get to the route of the issues afflicting us today. In addition, there are others who are spurred on by selfish determination, and exploit people without a second thought. Of course, that behavior fosters an atmosphere of distrust.

There is, however, someone that knows far more that we ever could, and offers his assistance. He is described in the Bible book of Isaiah in this manner, "I, Jehovah, am your God, the One teaching you to benefit yourself, the One causing you to tread in the way in which you should walk."

I have found these words to be especially true in my case. From a study of the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses I have personally experienced a happy life, a feeling of fulfillment and a secure hope for the future.

My Bible education also helps me to understand something else - I don't live a charmed live. I have come to accept the realities that are part of life today. Yet still, despite the hard times I do experience from time to time, I have a guarantee from the Scriptures that God "will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more, neither will mourning nor outcry nor pain be anymore. The former things have passed away." This assured promise is something that every one of Jehovah's Witnesses holds dear.

Why can we be SO confident? How do we KNOW that this WILL happen?

Any one of Jehovah's WItnesses will be glad to explain this to you by means of a free home Bible study. By taking just a few minutes in comparison to our other activities each week, Jehovah's Witnesses can show you, from the Scriptures, why these thoughts are reality, and how the comforting thoughts in God's Holy Word, the Bible can bring you the happiness, sense of purpose and secure future for which you may long.