A Thought on Bitachon
From the shiurim on Kav Hashgachah
Hashgochah Pratis in Sifrei Kodesh
Hashgachah Pratis in the Sefarim Hakedoshim
The middah of making do with what one has is the basis for a life of peace and serenity.
When we choose to focus only on our true needs and make clear boundaries that do not allow for us to spend on extras, life becomes easier, calmer, and free of worries.
We can see, for example, that after eating an adequate meal we feel comfortable and calm. This comfort is achieved only if we ate the exact amount of food necessary for our bodies, and if we ate slowly. This applies to every other aspect of life as well: Setting proper boundaries leads to a good and serene life.
Many people are dealing with a lack of parnassah. They don’t have enough money to cover their daily expenses, which causes a great deal of pressure and stress.
In this matter as well, making do with what one has will not only save money but will also bring bounty and brachah to whatever amount of money one has.
In Maseches Shabbos (22a) it is brought that it is forbidden to count money by the light of the Chanukah candles. We need to understand why only this example of counting money is given. Clearly the intention is that it is forbidden to use the Chanukah lights for any purpose, so why is counting money used as the chosen example?
There is a wonderful explanation of this brought in the sefer Me’ir Einei Chachamim (Sha’ar 17, ch. 1): People pursue money because they feel they are lacking the desires of their hearts, and some because they want luxuries. But in truth, if we fully believed in Hashem’s hashgachah, then “we would certainly not need any strategies at all.” Therefore, he continues, when it comes to the Chanukah lights, we want to draw down upon ourselves a new light, without “any strategies,” so it is certainly forbidden to count money.
Hashem gives every person that which he truly needs. When a person believes this, he makes do with what he has and does not feel any lack, and therefore he does not need “any reason or act” but rather brings upon himself a “new light.” There is great shefa available for him and for the whole world.
Excerpts from the popular shiur by Harav Hatzaddik R’ Beirish Shneebalg shlit”a
