At the beginning of this week's parsha, the Midrash describes how Avraham contemplated the ways of Hashem, and how the commandment of "go to the place where I will show you" came as a result.
The Midrash famously compares this to a wanderer passing from place to place, who comes across a palace engulfed in flames. He wonders "Is it possible that there is no leader in this fortress?" The owner appears and says "I am the owner of this place". This, says the Midrash, is what transpired with Avraham. He was questioning whether the world, which was a spiritual inferno, may be leaderless. To which Hashem Himself clarified, "I am the Ruler of the world". (מדרש רבה פר' לט א)
Meforshim explain that at this point, Avraham certainly had no doubts regarding Who was in charge of the world. He was just like the man observing the palace who understood that it must have been built by someone wise and able. However, witnessing the wickedness that prevailed in the world, he contemplated that perhaps Hashem lessened His control, and therefore allowed it to continue "burning". To this Hashem replied that He is indeed still fully controlling the world, and is waiting for Avraham to serve Him. Thus, He commanded him "Go forth from your land..." (ע"פ מהרז"ו, עץ יוסף, חי' הרד"ל)
Meforshim further elucidate that when Hashem told Avraham that He runs the world, He was conveying to him that the burning destruction that he was witnessing was part of His plan; He rules the world and He is allowing this to happen. This begs for clarification, how was this reply meant to calm Avraham's bewilderment? Furthermore, how does this correspond with Hashem's commandment to Avraham to depart from his home and go to the land that He will show him?
Another point is the wording the Midrash uses הֵצִיץ עָלָיו בַּעַל הַבִּירָה - the owner of the fortress peered at him and said "I am the owner...". Hashem said to Avraham "I am...". What does it mean when saying the owner "peered" at him?
The Cherished Struggle
There is a fundamental principle in Avodas Hashem discussed extensively in the seforim. Our teachers repeatedly remind us that when we encounter any kind of struggle, our Avodas Hashem is way more cherished on High.
The pasuk says in Shir Hashirim, "מַשְׁגִּיחַ מִן הַחַלֹּנוֹת מֵצִיץ מִן הַחֲרַכִּים," [Hashem, at the time of Yetzias Mitzrayim, was] observing through windows, peering through the crevices. (שיר השירים ב ט)
Rav Sa'adya Gaon translates this pasuk as an analogy to describe two primary methods of Divine Conduct. At times, Hashem's Presence is clearly visible and 'palpable'. This type of Conduct is alluded to in the words "מַשְׁגִּיחַ מִן הַחַלֹּנוֹת," He observes through the windows, from which one can see and be seen clearly. Yet, there are times that Hashem conceals His Control from Mankind.
Yet, even in moments where all seems lost and the situation feels hopeless, Hashem is still there watching over us from a hidden place. Periods like these are referred to in the pasuk as "מֵצִיץ מִן הַחֲרַכִּים," He peeks from the crevices. Even at a time when the Divine Command is not eminently visible, Hashem is still 'there' looking out for His beloved children, ensuring that no harm or evil befalls them.
This is what Avraham was asking. Avraham Avinu was pondering why Hashem was concealing Himself from the world, seemingly neglecting His Creations and allowing evil to reign. To this Hashem replied: "I am the One in charge of the world", saying that this "concealed state" is orchestrated with plan and purpose; Hashem, in His wonderous Ways, was hiding His governance from This World so that people should seek Him, in spite of their hardships and the difficulty it may entail.
Hence, while it seemed that Hashem had forsaken This World, He was still there, albeit hidden from Man's conscience since He was waiting for someone to reach out to Him. Indeed, Avraham ultimately understood the message being conveyed to Him and reached out to Hashem despite the dominant godless environment that surrounded him.
This is perhaps what the Midrash is alluding to by saying "הֵצִיץ עָלָיו בַּעַל הַבִּירָה," the man in charge of the palace "peered", Since, as explained, the term הֵצִיץ generally refers to peeking from a small opening, unnoticeable to the subjects being observed.
When Hashem runs the world with His "hidden ways", it is to give Man an opportunity to reach out to Him, and to benefit eventually from the tremendous reward bestowed upon the individual who overcomes the challenges and obstacles that stand in the way.