"Keep firm, go on, and fear nothing."

I am reading Abandonment to Divine Providence again.  And I can see why in the introduction, Dom Arnold says to read Fr. de Caussade's work "with a certain amount of discretion, as every advice he gives does not apply to all readers indiscriminately."  While this book is not an easy read, it is very helpful in the spiritual life, read with discretion, of course.  Here is something that struck me regarding faith:

....the instinct of faith is an elevation and enlargement of the heart above and beyond all that is presented to the senses.

    The life of faith, and the instinct of faith are one and the same.  It is an enjoyment of the goods of God, and a confidence founded on the expectation of His protection, making everything pleasant and received with a good grace.  It is indifference to, and at the same time a preparation for every place, state, or person.  Faith is never unhappy even when the senses are most desolate.  This lively faith is always in God, always in His action above contrary appearances by which the senses are darkened.  The senses, in terror, suddenly cry to the soul, "Unhappy one!  You have now no resource, you are lost," and instantly faith with a stronger voice answers:  "Keep firm, go on, and fear nothing."

~Fr. Jean-Pierre de Caussade, Abandonment to Divine Providence

There is a lot in those words on which to ponder.