Devotion is not a mental weakness. Neither is it only the first step, but something like the substratum for attaining the goal.
The only way to put an end to the ruler of these negative thoughts and emotions is to develop awareness.
Relaxation is the technique of witnessing your negative thoughts and the hurt feelings of the mind. Once you learn this technique you understand that the negativity belongs to the mind and not to your inner Self, your true being.
Concentration and love are one - like two sides of a coin. Love should be there if you want concentration.
The agony caused by the longing to see God is not sorrow; it is bliss. The state that we attain by calling and crying to God is equal to the bliss that the yogi experiences in samadhi.
When we perceive goodness in everything, we will be filled with God's grace. That grace is the source of all success in life.