In this excerpt from Solitude and Silence by Thomas à Kempis, the faithful are warned how the devil exploits sadness and boredom to weaken the soul’s resolve for silence, solitude, and prayer. À Kempis urges the Christian to stand firm in faith, trusting God alone for victory over these subtle attacks.
How the Devil Often Strives to Impede Devotion to God through Sadness and Boredom
The devil is the sworn foe of the human race and envies in particular any person who develops a close relationship to God. Therefore, he seldom permits such a person to go long without testing him with some trial or temptation. For this reason, the devout person needs to be especially vigilant against the attacks of the devil.
Very often, the ancient enemy will send bursts of serious sadness or dark depression, as well as tedium and boredom. Above all, he is intent upon subverting the commitment and resolve of those who have dedicated themselves to a contemplative life of silence and solitude. The vices he uses against such people are sadness and boredom so that tedium and frustration soon begin to arise in their hearts. As many persons drawn to the solitary life are of a naturally melancholic temperament, the devil cunningly exploits this. He sends oppressive and consuming sorrows in an attempt to drain the person of all his resolve and strength.
But whoever firmly believes in God and places the love of God above all else, and honestly desires to conquer the world and the pernicious lusts of the world, shall have the courage and endurance to accept all affliction of bitterness, sorrow, and tedium. He shall neither seek nor expect any solace from human beings or any created things but will be inflamed with a desire for Christ alone. For in Christ he will see the only one who is able to be victorious not only over sadness and tedium but over all the vices and temptations which the devil might send him, and to lead him unfailingly to the glories of heaven.
Strength and Courage Are Needed to Overcome the Enemy
The one who is strong and courageous in the Lord may experience temptations and be assaulted by many and varied attacks by the devil. Yet in the end, such a person shall be able to fight successfully against his enemy, armed with the invincible shield of true faith. And what can I say of those holy souls who refuse to allow such unclean spirits to enter over their threshold? How blessed they are, and what celestial delights are theirs!
But there are, alas, those who all too readily succumb to sadness and boredom. Even if they possess the spiritual weapons with which to fight, they are often too lethargic to make proper use of them. Their heart can then grow discouraged and dejected so that they surrender to the wicked promptings of the foe without even confronting him in battle.
Therefore, O soldier of Christ, clothe yourself in strength and courage! Do not be discouraged by every passing cloud or shadow of melancholy or tedium. Do not become afraid at the rustling of falling leaves or the blowing of mere breezes! Rather, stand ready to fight the devil, and give no credence to his wicked suggestions. The all-powerful Lord Himself shall be your guardian and protector, and the spiritual reward you will receive shall be truly magnificent! It is God’s power alone which shall permit you to conquer the waverings, distractions, and caprices of your own heart, and God shall not fail to impart that power to you.
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This article is taken from a chapter in Solitude and Silence by Thomas à Kempis which is available from TAN Books.
