I thought St Paul was going to say that perhaps in prayer God had directly comforted him in his difficulties. Or that perhaps God had graciously taken away his troubles, and delivered him from the conflicts and fears. Another favorite passage of mine from St Augustine is similar in its message and tone. In this I am perfectly at ease, for in this common love I experience God in whom I trust and in whom I take my rest in peace. Both Paul and Augustine know something of the profound joy of friendship.
Friendship is indeed one of the deepest joys of life.
Created as we are by Love and for Love, created in the very image and likeness of the Triune God, we become fully human persons in relationships. For many, family life is the great school of love. Love, the crowning gift of the Spirit, is not easy to learn and Our Lord teaches us by His words and example that true love always involves the Cross. Only love can make it easy and perfect love can make it a joy. We are willing to give in proportion as we love and when the love is perfect the sacrifice is complete.