While encouraging others, a believer in Jesus Christ wrote of deep distress, infirmities, and opposition. He wrote of

“...great heaviness and continual sorrow” (Romans 9:2).

While suffering severely, he wrote with intense certainty:

…we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord
(Romans 8:37-39).

The same follower of Christ penned these words:

“If ye then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:1,2).

At the dawning of another new year, many who call upon the Lord live in extreme comfort compared with the sufferings of others being hunted, arrested, tortured, cut off, or killed because of their public confession of faith in Jesus Christ. God is faithful in personal and close relationship to each one in whatever situation.

To paraphrase the psalmist:

He is our goodness, our fortress, our high tower, and our deliverer; He is our shield and the One in whom we trust… (Psalm 144: 2).

Let us remember to pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ.