First Aid
When a person finds himself in a state of darkness and challenge, and he calls out for help, the helper will ask, “What and where is your emergency?” Sometimes the person will not know what to answer and he’ll say, “I don’t know exactly, but it’s really dark where I am... it’s extremely 'מעשרה למטה'. Can you please come here and see if you can figure out a way to help me?”
Now, when someone calls Hatzolah, they will often be coached on some first aid measures to do until they get there. Similarly, the Ribbono Shel Olam will respond to this suffering Yid, “Of course I am here, and I am everywhere, and I will always be right here for you. But right now you find yourself in a place of concealment of the Shechinah. So, until you can reveal a little light I will give you some instructions. Do you perhaps have a candle with you? If you can find one, light it where you are. This will give you some relief for the meantime.”
This is an important and effective mehalech for a Yid to help himself in his darkest moments; simply to add a little light, to make the darkness a little less.
The Flame of Emunah, Even if You’re Not Feeling It
What do we mean by this? Sometimes, a Yid feels completely dry and he can’t find the chizuk or light to illuminate his situation. Nevertheless he should proclaim simply: “I know that the Ribbono Shel Olam is with me. I know that everything is for my good. I will do my best to remain positive even if I am consumed with worry and pain.”
A person may not feel inclined to do this and may not see the merit of thinking positively. “I’m just not there... how will it help me to say these things I don’t mean? Of course, I believe that there’s a Ribbono Shel Olam and that everything is for the good. But my situation is dire and depressed and I just don’t feel like kindling a flame of emunah.”
This attitude stems from a lack of belief in the power of Torah and mitzvos. This person thinks that in order for him to see salvation some major event must happen. But the truth is that the Ribbono Shel Olam is
