At times, one might find themselves in circumstances that make them feel like they cannot serve Hashem properly. These thoughts arise due to ingrained habits and routines that they have become familiar with. For instance, a person who is accustomed to learning בעיון, in depth, might sometimes feel, due to his current situation, that he cannot concentrate enough to learn as he normally would. This may lead him to believe that he cannot learn at all now.
Alternatively, someone who is accustomed to giving large amounts of money to tzedakah, but is now under financial stress, can feel like he is unable to help the poor because he cannot spend on them as much as he is used to.
However, it is essential to understand that every second, regardless of the circumstances, can be used to serve Hashem. One must try to set aside their usual habits and focus on what Hashem requires from them, whichever time and place they find themselves in. By doing so, one will realise that they can still connect to Hashem and serve Him in every situation, even in the most challenging of circumstances.
This advice is hinted at in the words that Hashem said when He revealed Himself to Moshe Rabeinu by the סנה on Mount Chorev: "Take your shoes off your feet, because the place upon which you stand is holy soil" (של־נעליך מעל רגליך כי המקום אשר אתה עומד עליו אדמת־קדש הוא). This can be interpreted as an instruction to "take away your strong attachment" (נעליך, from the same root as נעל, a lock) to your habits (רגליך, in the sense of רגילות, habits). We must be willing to relinquish our usual routines and familiar patterns in order to embrace the present moment. By doing so, we will realise that המקום אשר אתה עומד עליו אדמת־קדש הוא "the place upon which you are currently standing is holy ground, meaning that the very place and time you are in, is sacred grounds for connecting to and serving Hashem.
(ישועות מלכו מהה"ק מזלאטשוב פ' שמות, בשם הה"ק ר' יוסף מיאמפאלא)
In Parashas Devarim, the Torah speaks of a time when the Jewish people would reach a low point and resort to worshipping idols. This moment in history portrays a future that seems hopelessly devoid of spirituality. Despite this, the Torah provides a ray of hope, by promising that if one seeks to connect with Hashem, even in such a low state, with all his heart and soul, he will undoubtedly find Him. The Torah says ובקשתם משם את־ה' אלהיך ומצאת כי תדרשנו בכל־לבבך ובכל־נפשך But if you search there for Hashem your G-d, you will find Him, because you seek with all your heart and soul.
The Ba'al Shem Tov teaches that this promise holds true for all generations and situations. Even if we find ourselves in challenging situations, whether materialistically or spiritually, one thing that remains constant is our ability to connect with Hashem. All we need is sincerity and wholeheartedness in our search for Him. ובקשתם משם and you will seek Him from there, meaning that we can find Hashem in every place and any situation.
No moment is too small or too difficult to be able to connect to Hashem.
Through focusing solely on the tasks at hand and considering ourselves as if born for "this day" only, we can ensure that our Avodas Hshem will not be with a "faraway heart". Only by fully committing to the present moment and not overfocusing on the past and future, can we devote ourselves entirely to serving a higher purpose. Instead of viewing life as an endless stretch, we should cherish and make the most of every moment that we are granted.
May this approach lead us to make the most of each day, filling our days with Torah and Ma'asim Tovim, and aspiring to perform them to the best of our ability. Let us keep away from procrastination and a false sense of security in a long lifespan and remember that regardless of what's going on, every moment can be an opportunity to serve and honour Hashem.
גוט שבת