Watching other people seem so on fire with the Holy Spirit can be disheartening if you are depressed or otherwise emotionally struggling. What is worse is when you are told that if you had Jesus in your heart you would feel this fire. In other words, if you feel miserable you must not really know Jesus. Your faith is tepid.

But feeling isn’t believing. St. Jane Frances de Chantal understood this. Cry out to God. Your faith is strong.

“God has shown me that He does not make much account of faith that comes with sentiment and emotions. This is why, though against my inclination, I never wish for sensible devotion. I do not desire it. God is enough for me. Notwithstanding my absolute misery I hope in Him, and I trust He will continue to support me so that His will may be accomplished in me. Take my feeble heart into Your hands, my true Father and Lord, and do what You see to be wisest with it.”

Copyright DepressedandCatholic. Selected Letters of St. Jane Frances de Chantal, www.oblates.org.