Faith in the Absence of Consolation

Lord, I am struggling to find you. I feel as if I am drowning and I need your divine presence to pull me from the water. Forgive me for this lack of faith. I want to be in union with you on the cross. But I am so fearful of suffering in my life. Help me to never view my earthly suffering as a punishment—but rather, an opportunity to grow closer to you. Teach me to abandon all my worldly fears and anxiety. Take from my heart all my selfish desires and give me the grace to find true peace and happiness in the enormity of your love.