Sometimes spiritual desolation is brought on by our own failures, while at other times, it emerges as part of the normal ups and downs of the Christian life.
Regardless of the cause, spiritual desolation is an invitation for us to mature in our spiritual lives.
St. John Climacus notes that the struggle with acedia is a defining struggle for the Christian.
It is the struggle Adam fought in the garden, according to St. Basil, and it is a struggle we all must overcome in our pursuit of a loving relationship with God.
In struggling against it, we enlist in a quest of heroes.
It is here that our Christian vocation is refined, where we become tough, relying not on the early romance of religious fervor, but on the deep, committed love that sustains us.
First and foremost then, we must be resolute in our commitments and duties.
Every man must continue to fulfill the commitments he has already made so long as those commitments were not so excessive as to have helped cause the desolation.
Always make sure to ask for the advice of a spiritual director or at least of a brother in faith as you consider whether to relax your discipline.
Do not allow yourself to make excuses and take the easy way out.
As a general rule, we ought to fulfill things like Lenten resolutions and to discharge the duties arising from our state in life.
No one should make drastic changes to his Christian commitments during periods of desolation.
Since the desolation consists in feeling sadness at spiritual goods, it may be helpful to bring to mind what should rightly make the Christian sad: sin.
Think of the evils of sin, always remembering the mercy and love of God.
This helps us focus on what is truly painful and what is truly good.
Consider the effects of sin, how it wounds and damages our relationships, and consider how God works to heal those wounds.
Distraction, as noted previously, is a symptom of acedia that also perpetuates it.
The more we throw ourselves into frenzied distraction, the more desolate we feel.
Idle gossip, binging on Netflix, and internet surfing can all perpetuate the listlessness and slothful feelings associated with acedia.
On the other hand, renewing deep, Christian relationships (perhaps with our Exodus 90 fraternities), and participating in conversations about spiritual things can be significant moves in overcoming spiritual desolation and the sin of acedia.
In prayer, take a moment to be aware of the presence of the Holy Spirit.
Then, reflect on your Christian friendships.
Are there any in need of renewal?
If so, ask God to renew in you a desire to love others, especially your friend, with the love of the Holy Spirit.
