OF THE LACK OF ALL COMFORT
“It is no hard thing to despise human comfort when divine is present. It is a great thing, yea, very great to be able to bear the loss both of human and divine comfort; and for the love of God willingly to bear exile of heart, and in nought to seek oneself, nor to look to one’s own merit. What great matter is it, if you be cheerful of heart and devout when favour comes to you? That is an hour wherein all rejoice. Pleasantly enough do he ride, whom the grace of God carries. And what marvel, if he feels no burden who is carried by the Almighty, and is led onwards by the Guide from on high?
We are willing to accept anything for comfort, and it is difficult for a man to be freed from himself. The holy martyr, Laurence, overcame the love of the world and even of his priestly master, because he despised everything in the world which seemed to be pleasant; and for the love of Christ, he calmly suffered even God’s chief priest, Sixtus, whom he dearly loved, to be taken from him. Thus, by the love of the Creator, he overcame the love of man, and instead of human comfort, he chose rather God’s good pleasure. So also learn you, to resign any near and beloved friend for the love of God. Nor take it amiss when you have been deserted by a friend, knowing that we must all be parted from one another at last.
Mightily and long must a man strive within himself before he learns altogether to overcome himself, and to draw his whole affection towards God. When a man rests upon himself, he easily slips away unto human comforts. But a true lover of Christ, and a diligent seeker after virtue, falls not back upon those comforts, nor seeks such sweetness as may be tasted and handled, but desires rather, hard exercises, and to undertake severe labours for Christ.
When therefore, spiritual comfort is given by God, receive it with giving of thanks, and know that it is the gift of God, not thy desert. Be not lifted up, rejoice not overmuch nor foolishly presume, but rather, be more humble for the gift, more wary and more careful in all your doings; for that hour will pass away, and temptation will follow. When comfort is taken from you, do not straightway despair, but wait for the heavenly visitation with humility and patience, for God is able to give you back greater favour and consolation. This is not new nor strange to those who have made trial of the way of God, for with the great saints and the ancient prophets there was often this manner of change.”
Thomas a Kempis
The Mark Of God: Understanding Your "I AM Presence" 