We are discussing the various factors that can ruin someone’s Bitachon. As we have learned, even if a person has Bitachon, certain misunderstandings can throw a wrench into the system. The Hovot HaLevavot says that one of the mistakes people make is that they don’t understand the mitzvot. They doesn’t understand that G-d actually told us to rely and lean on Him. And the truth is, it really is unclear. Where exactly does it say in the Torah that we have to rely on G-d?
The Hovot Halevavot mentions 2 pesukim from the Nevi’im that show us that we can rely on Hashem.
And if Hashem told us to rely, if G-d commanded us to rely on Him, then of course we must do so.
It’s interesting that in the introduction to the Sefer Hovot HaLevavot, he mentions two different kinds of mitzvot: There are constant mitzvot, that must be done at all times, and there are those that aren’t, such as Lulav and Shabbat.. Even VeAhavta LeRe’echa isn’t constant, because if you’re alone in a room, you can’t fulfill that.
But some mitzvot are always there and never stop.
The first few that he mentions are found in Sefer Hinuch, which has a list of six constant mitzvot as well.
1- Hashem Echad. G-d is One.
2- To fear Him
3-To love Him
The Hovot HaLevavot adds to this list, for our discussion, ושנבטח בו
And we should rely on Hashem.
This is not on one of the six constant mitzvot of the Sefer Hinuch. We have to rely on G-d at any time of day or night, and give your soul over to him. Put G-d in charge. Let Him drive. We can’t be back seat drivers. He quotes from Tehilim (62,9)
בטחו בו בכל עת
Rely on Him at all times.
This is his source that Bitachon is a constant mitzvah. He adds in the introduction that if that’s the case that this is a constant mitzvah that must be done at all times as long as we live, it’s like a master that commands a servant he has two types of jobs. Some work is in the house and other work is in the field. The field work is not constant, it’s only when there are things to be done in the field. But the responsibilities of the house are greater, and they must always be done. He must always be sure the house is clean, etc.
The same is true with us. Our “outside mitzvot”, such as lulav, are the field work. But the mitzvot of the heart are “in the house.” We have to make sure these are done properly. There are no excuses. We always have our hearts. It’s constant.
People don’t realize that Bitachon is a mitzvah. And not only is it a mitzvah, but it’s a constant mitzvah.
Where does it say so?
One source of this is brought by the Rambam’s son, in his sefer Maspik L’Ovdeh Hashem
His source is the manna. The lesson of the manna is something we should remember every day. As the pasuk says,
כי על כל מוצא פי ה׳ יחיה האדם
that we were, (and still are), sustained by
G-d’s decree.
But regardless of the source, we have to know that it’s a mitzvah to have Bitachon, and that a lack of this mitzvah can cause a person’s Bitachon to weaken.
Have a good day.