Think of the people that have been close to you throughout your life. Have they rejoiced with you when you rejoiced? Have they cried with you when you shed tears. Did they have empathy with you were troubled, to the point of walking with you through your struggle? Would they offer you wise advice and be an advocate for you?
Psalm 56:8-9 says, “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call. This I know, that God is for me.” God feels the pain of struggles and hurts suffered by His faithful ones, so much so that He records our every pain and hurt. He even retains every tear that we cry. He promises to take us victoriously through these struggles, so that we are even stronger on the other side. Remember this, that God is always working for those who trust in Him.
Reluctant Retiree 