Welcome to the Daily Chizuk (encouragement). The Chovot HaLevavot writes in his introduction to the Shaar HaBitachon that having Bitachon (trust in God) will bring a person to a great level of tranquility and peace of mind. The Baal Bitachon (one who trusts in God) doesn’t get bothered by things that would normally disturb people. If his merchandise isn’t selling, or he’s unable to collect debts that are owed to him, or even if he has a physical ailment, he doesn’t get depressed. The Baal Bitachon knows that Hashem is concerned for his needs even more than he is, and Hashem will only do for him what’s best in all areas of life. If you know Hashem is in control, and Hashem is only interested in benefiting you, there is no reason to be disturbed. In fact, the Chovot HaLevavot writes in Perek Aleph (Chapter One) that the essence of Bitachon is Menuchat HaNefesh, being tranquil and having peace of mind.
They say about the Chazon Ish, who was a master of Bitachon, that his Menuchat HaNefesh was legendary. Just being in his presence had a tranquilizing effect. Someone told a story about once walking with the Chazon Ish on one of the streets of Bnei Brak: “A truck came recklessly down the road, and another man jumped into us with such a force that my hat went flying, and he almost knocked over the Chazon Ish. The Chazon Ish didn’t even turn around to see what happened.” He was such a master of Menuchat HaNefesh; he didn’t even stop. Menuchat HaNefesh is the sign of a great person. The Chafetz Chaim used to say, “Middot (character traits), you have to have in your pocket.” Which means, when you feel that you have to express anger, then you take it out of your pocket and use it. But it’s all with total control. You are never controlled by outside forces, which will cause you to lose your Menuchat HaNefesh.
I once heard a story of a rabbi in Israel who used to get ready for Shabbat early Friday afternoon and be in shul a few hours before Mincha (afternoon prayer) to learn. One Friday, he was on his way, and a lady poured out a big bucket full of dirty water from her balcony, and it landed right on the rabbi’s head. A spectator said he watched the rabbi turn around, go back home, change, and come back, and that he never looked up even once. If I look up, that shows that I’m aggravated. How dare you do that to me? But the rabbi knew it was from Hashem. Bitachon is so important because it goes right to the point. Hashem put me in this situation for my best, and He wants me to serve Him from here.
There were once two religious Jews who were groundlessly put in jail, and the conditions of the prison were unbearable. They had to sleep on a hard bench. They were only given a little dry bread and some water for the whole day. There was a putrid stench of sewage that didn’t allow them to pray or even learn Torah. One man sat there very depressed, while the other one was calm and cool. So the depressed man asked his friend, “How could you just sit there peacefully at a time like this? We can’t even serve Hashem here.” His friend answered, “You know we didn’t commit any crimes. It’s clear Hashem put us here, and He knows that we’re not allowed to pray or learn under these conditions. So by accepting Hashem’s will with love, I am serving Him the best way that I can.” This is how we are supposed to feel in all situations. Hashem put me in this situation for my best, and He wants me to serve Him like this.
If someone can’t find their car keys and they’re in a rush, there are two different responses. One person could say, “Where are my keys? I can’t believe I can’t find my keys!” and go into a rage. Or, number two, they could say, “Hashem knows what He’s doing. He wants me to look for my keys right now, but I’ll be calm and cool, and my Menuchat HaNefesh will not be disturbed.” The more these ideas penetrate, the more peace of mind we will have. Have a great day.