We have all seen how challenges can shake our confidence and hinder growth. In truth, Hashem intends the opposite effect — He orchestrates these challenges to foster our spiritual growth. As the Yalkut Shimoni puts it, “If I had not fallen, I would not have gotten up.” The rise after the fall more than just repairs the fall. It has additional independent value.
Rav Yitzchak Hutner understood this to be the intention of the pasuk “Sheva yipol tzaddik v’kam.” Rebounding from a fall is not just the sign of a tzaddik. It is also how we become one. Falls help us become tzaddikim because they help us grow.
How? On the most basic level, challenges inspire reflection and appreciation. The need to work hard to regain something lost or return to a previous position deepens our appreciation for what we had and where we were beforehand. This sense of appreciation can be a powerful tool in overcoming challenges.
Struggles also help us appreciate and strengthen our relationship with Hashem. We turn to Hashem and feel His presence more when we face challenges because our vulnerability reminds us of our dependence on Him. When we feel enshrouded in darkness, Hashem’s light seems to shine more brightly. Many people who suffer through difficult times describe having felt closer to Hashem during that period than at any point before or after. Though no one hopes to suffer, they miss the closeness they felt with Hashem when they did. To use Dovid HaMelech’s formulation, we feel closest to Hashem precisely when we walk through the valley of death.
