ADVERSITIES ARE USEFUL - Thomas a Kempis, THE IMITATION OF CHRIST
1. It is good that we occasionally experience adversity, because it often leads us to withdraw into ourselves, so that, recognizing our exile, we place no hope in anything in the world.
It is good that contradictions sometimes make us uncomfortable, and that others misinterpret what we do for their benefit, even with the best of intentions. These things usually help us to be humble and protect us from the evil tendency toward self-glorification. And then we seek God more readily as the witness of our lives, because we lose esteem and credibility among others.
2. We should seek comfort exclusively in God, so that we do not need to seek human comfort.
When a virtuous person is troubled, tempted, and plagued by evil thoughts, then they know they have a greater need for God, for they have learned from experience that without Him they can do nothing good.
Then he grows sad, groans, and begs the Lord to deliver him from the suffering he endures. He is weary of living any longer and longs for his death to hasten so that he may sever the earthly ties that prevent him from being united with Jesus Christ forever. Understand that there is not, nor can there be, complete peace on earth.