When a person feels lost and weary of the world, what role does a saint or Guru play according to the source texts?

When a soul is in great distress and feels distaste for life, the texts suggest that the Lord lovingly arranges a meeting with a saint. Chapter 18 explains that until the tide of past negative actions recedes, it can be hard to even call on God. It is in this state that a saint's intervention is crucial. As friends advised a devotee in the text, seeking the 'Darshan of the capable Sainath' is a powerful remedy. Even a brief moment of association with a saint can steady a restless mind, attach it to the divine, and guide one to fulfill their goals through service and obedience to the Guru's guidance.