Always Trust in Jehovah!

"Trust in him at all times, O people." -PSALM 62:8.

IT WAS a dangerous time to be a Christian in Rome. Blamed for setting fire to the city in 64 C.E. and accused of hating mankind, Christ's followers were objects of intense hostility. If you were a Christian back then, you would daily face the possibility of being arrested and tortured.  Some of your spiritual brothers and sisters might have been torn to pieces by animals or nailed to a stake and burned alive to serve as nighttime illumination.

It was likely in this volatile situation that the apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome for the second time. Would other Christian come to his aid?  Paul may have had some initial concerns in that regard, for he wrote to Timothy:  "In my first defense no one came to my side, but they all forsook me-may they not be held accountable."  Even so, Paul acknowledged that he had not be entirely without help. He wrote:  "But the Lord stood near me and infused power into me." Yes, the Lord Jesus provided the power Paul needed.  And just how practical was that divine help?  Note the results:  "I was rescued from the lion's mouth." -2 Timothy 4:16, 17. 

Recalling that experience must have strengthened Paul, helping him to trust that Jehovah would fortify him to endure his present trials and any future difficulties that might arise. In fact, he immediately went on to say:  "The Lord will rescue me from every wicked work." ( Timothy 4:18)  Yes, Paul learned that even when human assistance is limited, the help that Jehovah and his Son provide is real! 

Next time: Always Trust in Jehovah -OPPORTUNITIES TO "TRUST IN JEHOVAH" 

From the Watchtower magazine