The Imitation of Christ · Chapter
Of Seeking Divine Help, and the Confidence of Obtaining Grace explained
The chapter emphasizes turning to God in times of trouble, trusting in His mercy rather than seeking comfort in outward things.
What happens
The chapter emphasizes turning to God in times of trouble, trusting in His mercy rather than seeking comfort in outward things. It teaches that adversity and temptation are pathways to the Kingdom of Heaven, and that God's timing and purposes are perfect. The disciple is exhorted to stand firm, wait patiently, and rejoice in trials, knowing that God restores abundantly and that His love mirrors the Father's love for Christ.
Themes in this chapter
Grace and Divine Dependence
The chapter stresses that all help, comfort, and restoration come from God alone, and that the disciple must rely wholly on His grace.
Suffering and the Cross
Adversity and tribulation are presented as necessary for spiritual growth and as the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.
Contempt for the World
The disciple is warned against seeking comfort in outward things and is called to turn away from worldly joys and honors.
Characters to notice
- Jesus Christ
Christ speaks as the Lord, inviting the disciple to come to Him in trouble and promising restoration and consolation.
- The Disciple
The disciple is addressed as 'My son' and is instructed in patience, faith, and trust amid tribulation.
- God the Father
Referenced as the source of every good gift and as the Father who loved Christ, whose love is extended to the disciples.
Key passages
“My Son, I the Lord am ‘a stronghold in the day of trouble.’ Come unto Me, when it is not well with thee.”
The Lord declares Himself a refuge in distress and invites the disciple to approach Him in times of difficulty.
This opening sets the theme of divine help and the necessity of turning to God first.
“For before thou earnestly seekest unto Me, thou dost first seek after many means of comfort, and refresheth thyself in outward things: so it cometh to pass that all things profit thee but little until thou learn that it is I who deliver those who trust in Me.”
The disciple's habit of seeking comfort in external things hinders true consolation, which only comes from trusting God alone.
Highlights the contrast between worldly reliance and divine dependence.
“Think not thyself totally abandoned, although for the time I have sent to thee some tribulation, or have even withdrawn some cherished consolation; for this is the way to the Kingdom of Heaven.”
Do not believe you are forsaken when you face trials or lose comfort; such experiences are the path to heaven.
Reinforces the theme of suffering as a necessary discipline.
“As My Father hath loved Me, so love I you; thus have I spoken unto My beloved disciples: whom I sent forth not unto worldly joys, but to great strivings; not unto honours, but unto contempt; not unto ease, but to labours; not unto rest, but to bring forth much fruit with patience.”
Christ loves His disciples with the same love the Father has for Him, and He sends them not for worldly pleasures but for struggles, humility, hard work, and patient fruitfulness.
Connects the disciple's experience to Christ's own mission and the Father's love.