BS’D
The Chofetz Chaim ztk’l teaches that we are brought down into this world for the sole purpose of rectifying the world through recognition and acceptance of Hashem as the Creator. It is called a clarity of ’Oneness.’ Emuna enables us to dismiss all doubts about Hashem’s existence and the fact that everything that happens to us is for a reason and is for our best.
We are instructed to serve Hashem out of emuna and bitachon – clear knowledge that Hashem is always with us and steadfast trust that helps us act on that security. Doubts are insidious and often interrupt emuna growth. They may arise out of uncertainty over Hashem’s ability to help, or fear of something we believe is greater and more powerful than Hashem.
Emuna empowers us to hope and trust in Hashem when beset with misfortune. Though we may lack understanding of why we suffer, pain is not ‘senseless’. Emuna enables us to accept the pain and know intrinsically that somehow, in some way our pain is necessary for our spiritual repair and growth. This awareness and inner faith should help steer us away from assessing our difficulties and judging whether they are good or bad.
One reason why difficulties arise is to remind us of Hashem’s presence and motivate us to change our ways. We should constantly view ourselves and our world as transient, as if we are moving to another home. Our reality is constantly changing and helping us to move forward. When you move house, your current home appears on the surface to be in utter chaos, confused and disorganized. However, we can view change as stressful, or we can view it as an exciting opportunity. We shouldn’t fall apart because of this move. Don’t worry about putting things in order or making sense out of the mess.
The apparent chaos signifies that Hashem changing the world for the better. We can view the change as positive and exciting and adventurous. We are not stagnating but growing. We need to be ready with our packed belongings (mitzvot). In this world we pack – we do. Only in the next world we sit – we have.
