The words of the Rebbe Reb Elimelech of Lizhensk can provide us with encouragement in our daily struggles. He writes that the reward we receive in heaven is not solely for fulfilling mitzvos, as Hashem created us to serve Him and bestows upon us countless blessings that we can't even fathom or express gratitude for. Therefore, it is only logical that we should serve Him with all our might. Consequently, the reward we receive is not primarily for fulfilling mitzvos, but for our efforts in battling the yetzer hora.
The yetzer hora is constantly trying to persuade us to go against the will of Hashem, pushing us to speak, think, and do things that are contrary to Ratzon Hashem. As Yidden, we have to fight against the yetzer hora every day, and it is not an easy task. It takes immense strength to resist its influence and endure the mental and emotional torture that comes along with battling it. However, those who remain steadfast in their battle against the yetzer hora are rewarded in heaven for their courage and determination.
The struggle, our constant fight against the yetzer hora, is what makes us eligible for the great heavenly reward. Fulfilling mitzvos is indeed an important part of our mission, but the true test of our devotion to Hashem lies in how we deal with our yetzer hora.
The Rebbe Reb Elimelech uses this idea to explain a verse in Tehilim, where David Hamelech praises Hashem and says (תהלים כא ג-ד) תַּאֲוַת לִבּוֹ נָתַתָּה לּוֹ וַאֲרֶשֶׁת שְׂפָתָיו בַּל־מָנַעְתָּ סֶּלָה: כִּי־תְקַדְּמֶנּוּ בִּרְכוֹת טוֹב You have granted him the desire of his heart, and never denied the utterance of his lips. You have proffered him blessings of good things. The Rebbe Reb Elimelech interprets this as praise for the way man was created. His desires, even if they are forbidden, are attainable, and his speech is not constrained, even when it goes against the will of Hashem.
However, this raises a question, as Hashem is in control of everything, so how come is it possible for humans to sin against Him? Logic would suggest that those who try to transgress should naturally be prevented from doing so. For instance, one who wants to desecrate the Shabbos with his hands should become paralyzed in his hands, and one who eats treifos should choke on his food. Why indeed did Hashem not make this the way of the world?
The answer lies in the next verse, כִּי־תְקַדְּמֶנּוּ בִּרְכוֹת טוֹב. Hashem gave us the ability to err, so that when we do what is right, Hashem will reward us with boundless blessings. As we have discussed earlier, Heavenly reward is granted primarily for battling the yetzer hora. Here, Rebbi Elimelech's explanation further drives home that this is indeed the entire purpose for which the yetzer hora was created.
(נועם אלימלך ויחי ד"ה או יאמר)