We continue with the Sefer Madregat HaAdam, written by the Elder of Novardok. He says that Bitachon has multiple benefits. The first group of benefits are direct products of Bitachon, which means there are inherent pros of having Bitachon
(which we will discuss later). Then there the byproducts of Bitachon, which are:
1-As the Hovot HaLevavot and many other write, Bitachon brings one to menuchat hanefesh/ peace of mind. When you have peace of mind, you aren’t worried about all the different things that preoccupy other people.
Additionally, with Bitachon,
2-A person is saved from pizur hanefesh,/having his mind scattered from all different worries
3- He is saved from all kinds of unnecessary travel and hishtadlut that often people do, because when a person has bitachon, he realizes that he doesn’t need as much.
4- His spirit is strong because if he has enough for today, he doesn’t worry about tomorrow
(This is very important, and we will get back to it)
5- He doesn’t need to flatter people
6-He sticks to his principles and doesn’t give in for reasons of money or honor.
7- He doesn’t pay attention to all of the questions of life. He walks around guaranteed.
8-He has serenity because he knows that no one can add or subtract from what G-d decreed upon him, even a hairsbreadth.
These are the basic benefits of bitachon.
He goes on with an important point for us:
גם אם יארע חס וחלילה עת חרום בעולם
If there is a time of emergency in the world,
לא יגע זה ללבו כלל
This won’t affect his heart at all.
The Madregat HaAdam put his money where his mouth is. The whole reason he developed the Novardok approach to bitachon (which as we said yesterday, is a very high level), was because he was in Europe/Russia between World War I and World War II. It was a very difficult time for the Jewish people, both physically and spiritually. He pumped himself, and everyone around him up, not to be fazed by anything, even in the most severe situations.
Stories are told about him, when in the midst of the hand to hand combat going on around him, with bullets flying, it was time to say havdalah. He held up the cup with an unwavering hand. Not a drop was spilled, although bombs were falling all around them. Everyone looked on in amazement at his peace of mind, regardless of what was going on around him.
He says that the person with Bitachon is not afraid of his personal situation, because he knows that every bullet has its address. So, he walks calmly and peacefully.
He’s happy with what he has today, ואינו דואג דאגת מחר
He is not worried about tomorrow, because he believes that if he has Bitachon, he has everything.
Bitachon will answer all of life’s problems. (We need to spend more time on this- we are just touching the tip of the iceberg today.)
Most problems come not from today, but from what we think will be tomorrow.
For example, a girl is 23 years old. She should find a Shidduch very quickly, but she’s very nervous and worried. She’s been going out for years. I don’t blame her.
But if someone told her, “You’re definitely getting married at 24,” she’d be very calm and relaxed.
Where does the worry come in? Her mind starts playing games. She worries that maybe she’ll be around until she’s 30 or even longer has v’shalom. And then, the worry about tomorrow sets in.
Another example is a couple who is married for a few years, without children, lo alenu. It’s very difficult. But if someone told them that after six years of marriage, they were guaranteed a child, they be calm.
They are worried about tomorrow. They can handle today.
This applies to a person who is short on funds as well, and on and on. It is always about what is going to be tomorrow.
Many people are worried, and not sleeping well, in the current situation, although they have food to eat, for today, and they have a place to sleep- for today.
Bitachon means not to be
דואג דאגת מחר
Worrying about the worries of tomorrow
Live for today.
Don’t worry about tomorrow -But what is going to be tomorrow??
That’s where Bitachon comes in. Tomorrow is another day.
Who knows what tomorrow is going to bring?
That is the powerful line of
אינו דואג דאגת מחר
Don’t worry about tomorrow
If there’s a problem today, we will deal with it. But tomorrow’s problem
דאגה מנין
As the song goes,
The past was already, tomorrow hasn’t come yet, so you’re here today. What are you worried about?
That’s the power of Bitachon.
אינו דואג דאגת מחר
Don’t worry about tomorrow
This works in all situations. If I have enough for today, I’m good for today. Hopefully, we will develop this concept more, and work on these strong, important principles of Bitachon that are especially necessary when times are tough.
Have a wonderful day.