In a way it is good if you have problems in the world, for the more problems you have, the more you will think of the Lord. Again, the more you think of the Lord, the closer he will draw you towards himself by removing all your obstacles. Know this for certain. The problems you face are only incentives to love God. This is how devotees progress towards God.
(p.65, Letters for Spiritual Seekers, Swami Shivananda’s letter from Ramakrishna Adviat Ashrama, Benaras on 23 April, 1913)