When A Person Makes Hashem Real in His Life, He Has a Different Life
Yehuda learned how to relate to Hashem from his mother, Leah. That’s why it says by Yehuda: שְּ מ ע ה' קוֹל יְּהוּדָ ה ברכה לג ז “Hashem, please answer Yehuda's Tefila”, because Yehuda was very open with Hashem. When Yaakov blessed his sons, he said to Yehuda: יְּהוּדָ ה א תָ ה יוֹדוּךָ א חֶ יךָ מט ח “Yehuda, YOU will be praised by your brothers”. None of the other brothers were addressed directly with “you”, only Yehuda, because Yehuda knew how to relate to Hashem like you are talking to someone. Therefore, Midda K'neged Midda, Yehuda was Zoche that Yaakov addressed him directly. Hashem wants us to talk to Him. A person has to make Hashem real in his life; and you should daven for that. It’s a different life.
When Hashem said: א-הְ י ה אֲ ש ר א -הְ י ה
I will be as I will be (i.e., that He’ll be with us in future Tzaros just as He was with us in Galus Mitzrayim), Moshe complained: Why is it necessary to mention the future Tzaros; isn’t the present Galus bad enough? And Chazal say that Hashem agreed with Moshe Rabeinu’s Tayna, and said only one: א-הְ י ה i.e., I will be.
Notice how Hashem deals with Tzadikim, and He “changes his mind” and becomes more positive! How close Hashem is with a Tzelem Elokim! He expects us to reason with Him, and to get more positivism in our lives! Look how a Tzelem Elokim has a “say” in the Hanhaga (running) of the universe!
The Chofetz Chaim was known for his personal talks with Hashem, and his giving all kinds of reasons why Klal Yisroel should have Yeshuos. The Kapitchnitzer Rebbe Zatzal was also known for this. There is no doubt that Hashem would love to hear from us in this way, and the Chofetz Chaim used to encourage this.
I know plenty of stories where people got what they wanted by saying the right thing to Hashem. However, so many of us are too involved in overtime kvetching and wanting a different Matzav throughout our lives. If a person would be overtime with his thankfulness, then he’d debate with Hashem about a better Matzav, and he’d get more mileage with Hashem’s help.
STORY
I just got a phone call. It was a Bachur who wasn’t connecting with the world, he was out of touch with the world. Now, he didn’t live near me. He spent hours and hours of therapy, and nothing worked. His father really wanted me to help him. So I told him to call me back, and then I talked to Hashem from the bottom of my heart. I had an open, real conversation with Hashem. I do this all the time. The father called me back a few days later, and suddenly the boy changed. His mental issue started turning around. Hashem is the best therapist. I say this to Hashem. I say: “Hashem, You graduated better colleges”. And then I heard that the boy started teaching a class. That’s what happens when you talk to Hashem.
