When we have problems, we seek the guidance of the gedolei Torah in how to deal with them. Someone wrote to the Avnei Nezer, zt"l, asking guidance for the problem he was encountering. He was worrying because he wasn’t feeling close to Hashem. What should he do to gain this feeling?
The Avnei Nezer replied, “I ask from you one thing: Don't tell anyone that you have this problem. Don't tell anyone that you feel distant from Hashem and that it bothers you, unlike what we find by other problems.
“By other problems, Chazal relate from a pasuk in Mishlei that if a person has a worry, he should tell other people about it (Mishlei 12:25). He should share his worries with a good friend. Often, that helps the person deal with the problem. The burden feels easier to bear after sharing it with others.
“This one, however, I request that you should not share your worry with anyone. I want the fact that you feel distant from Hashem to bother you for your entire life. Your will should be to seek Hashem. If you speak it over, you may cool off, and that’s why you must avoid discussing this ‘problem’ with others.” (Reprinted with permission from Mechon Be’er Haparsha, Torah Wellsprings, Va’eira, p.10)
