Dovid HaMelech cries, “Penei eilai v’choneni, ki yecheed v’ani ani— Turn to me and show me favor, for I am alone and afflicted [lit., poor].”
Often, when we do a self-accounting of our deeds we reach a candid place where we come to realize how alone and helpless we truly are. Our zechuyos (meritorious deeds) are in short supply, and our future rests only on rachamei Shamayim (Hashem’s compassion). Consequently, we may feel “alone and afflicted.” It dawns on us that there is no one to rely on other than on our father in Shamayim (Ein al mi l’hisha’en ela al Avinu she’baShamayim).
However, once we have entered deep into the mindset of how much we depend on HaKadosh Baruch Hu, and daven from the depth of our soul to Him, we can be assured that He will show His kindness and help us. As it says, “Ba’ erev yalin bechi, v’la-boker rinah— In the evening one lies down weeping, but with dawn, a cry od joy.” In the evening, when we face hardships, we go to sleep weeping and experience a negative mindset. “But with dawn” — when good fortune appears on the horizon — we cry tears of joy and we see everything in a positive light.
Life may feel like a rollercoaster; sometimes good times and sometimes bitter times. When we experience smooth sailing, it is relatively easy to think positively — everything is good and will be good. Yet, the opposite is true as well. The trick is to avoid this rollercoaster by constantly reminding ourselves— particularly during the tough times— that everything is for the good. When we think rosy, things become rosy.
No matter how tough or negative a situation appears, we should revitalize ourselves to stay positive in our thinking. We can actively search for every minute benefit that may accrue from that situation, no matter how small or far-fetched. The impact of our mindset is more powerful than we can fathom. As someone once said, “Life is all about perception. It is not what it is— it is what we think it is.”
– “Turn Around” by Orit Esther Riter, Day 68, pg.172
