This is a clear message to every person, regardless of his level or situation: Hashem receives the greatest kavod from the lowest places. This concept is the opposite of arrogance. Thus, it helps us immensely in overcoming the ego, which is the key to doing teshuvah.
In essence, our strength in avodas Hashem is in direct proportion to how much we know that what we do really matters. However, we tend to estimate our actions according to their quality and quantity in our eyes, just like anything else in this world. But with our limited spiritual vision, this is not an accurate way to measure the effects of our mitzvos.
Rather, the true measure of a mitzvah is how much it honors the Creator. Therefore, we should focus on the fact that our mitzvos give Hashem incredible nachas and glorify His holy Name in all the worlds. This understanding fills us with chiuzk and satisfaction. When we contemplate this, we find amazing joy and inspiration.
In order to internalize this realization, we must connect ourselves to the great tzaddikim. Their words reveal the pure chiyus of Yiddishkeit in a simple way. They give us a fresh perspective on each mitzvah, teaching us to focus on how much pleasure we give Hashem.
Through this, we will no longer see mitzvos as people normally do—only giving importance to fulfilling a lot of mitzvos or performing them in a special way. With this approach, it is very easy to get discouraged when faced with setbacks. This is the product of thinking only about achieving tangible results.
On the other hand, when we concentrate on the kavod our mitzvos give to Hashem, there is no place for the ego, so we can just be happy with Hashem, appreciating every tiny aspect of each good deed we fulfill. Our mitzvos give incredible nachas to Hashem, so why shouldn’t we be satisfied with them?
This article is based on the Torah of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov zt’’l and his primary talmid Reb Noson zt’’l, as given over by Rabbi Nissan Dovid Kivak, shlit’’a. For comments, questions, and donations, or to subscribe to receive future articles by email, you may contact: [email protected]. To join The Rebbe’s Pharmacy Group on WhatsApp, send a message to: +1-718-207-1468 or scan this QR Code: You may also find shiurim from the author on YouTube by searching “The Rebbe’s Pharmacy.”
