BS ’D
Gemara Brachot (11b) instructs us to serve Hashem from joy even during times of difficulty; even by night praise Hashem as though it’s day. Living a life of emuna and bitachon demands inner strength and intense ratzon; a life committed to learning and absorbing an emuna attitude. Life is challenging and the time to work on one’s emuna is not when we are in the midst of a hardship.
It is a demanding task and one of our greatest difficulties to see Hashem during times of concealment. Our relationship to Hashem varies depending on how readily we perceive His presence or not. Undoubtedly during times of gilui Panim (the ability to feel Hashem) we serve Hashem with joy, however we must learn how to attach ourselves at times of hester Panim (concealment) as well. Although Hashem’s presence never changes, our experience varies based on our perception. Hashem is always the same Loving G-d; zore’a tzedakot, matzmiach yeshuot and boreh refuot. This knowledge should strengthen our trust and joy no matter what life hands us.
We ask every morning ‘do not challenge me’ and certainly prefer to live a life without challenge. However growth is achieved through tests and the hurdles of life in fact help us realize greatness. Life brings with it heartbreaking trials and tribulations; the dilemma of human suffering is no small matter. Yet unless we view human existence on earth as connected to a greater eternal existence, we only see one thousandth of the puzzle.
Hashem is always with us, pumping us with the necessary strength to achieve G-dliness. Through thick and through thin Hashem is directing us to the ultimate good and time of redemption.
