Even in the most difficult times, one must trust in Hashem to help him. The Mesilas Yesharim (Perek 21) writes: “The deterrents to piety are preoccupation and worries… However, a man can be protected against these deterrents and rescued from them by having faith in Hashem, by casting his lot with Him in the realization that a person can never be deprived of what has been set aside for him. This is as Chazal have said (Beitzah 16A), ‘A man’s entire sustenance is determined for him on Rosh Hashana, etc.’ and (Yoma 38B), ‘A man cannot touch even a hairsbreadth of what has been set aside for his neighbor’.
“A man could sit idle and what was ordained for him would materialize, were it not for the penalty imposed upon all men: ‘With the sweat of your brow shall you eat bread’ (Bereishis 3:19), because of which, by Divine decree, a man is required to exert himself somewhat for his sustenance. This is like a tax, which must be paid by every member of the human race and which cannot be evaded…
“The exertion is not what produces the results, but it is necessary. Once one has exerted himself, he has fulfilled his responsibilities and made room for the blessing of Heaven to rest upon him, and he need not consume his days in striving and exertion…
“The true way is that of the early chasidim, who made Torah their main occupation and their work a side thing – and were successful at both. Since they only did a little work and mostly relied on Hashem, and they didn’t worry about any material things, their minds were open and their hearts were ready for true righteousness and perfect service of Hashem.”
