An Athonite hermit said: What guarantees a safe journey to eternity is effort, dignity, the sense of being unworthy before God, and hope: the spiritual oxygen, consolation, and certainty. Not misery and compelled obedience and forced prayer; not tears and sadness – these all come from Satan. Yes, I ought to weep for my sins, but all the while hoping in God’s love. But I cannot stand it if I cry because the Devil wants me to despair. Many times Satan crushes a person with despair and the devil becomes the victor. But this does not happen when one is like a child on his father’s arm – trusting. Our trust in God is a ceaseless prayer that brings positive results. Despair comes from the Devil. Don’t say, “Oh, what has happened to me?” But give yourself to God totally and hope in Him.
— from an Athonite Gerontikon
