What is True Trust in Hashem? Part I

At the outset of my remarks, I want to say that most of what is covered in this section, called 'Trust,' is based on the writings of Rabbeinu Bachya in his book 'Duties of the Heart,' the Gate of Trust. I have found that many Jews struggle with understanding his profound insights, so I wanted, with Hashem's help, to explain this in a simple and clear way, for the sake of our fellow Jews strengthening themselves in this wonderful mitzvah.

What is Trust

The root of the word 'trust' is B.T.H, meaning secure. As Rashi interprets the verse (Genesis 34:25) according to Midrash Rabbah, "Simeon and Levi, Dinah's brothers, each took his sword and attacked the city 'secure' and killed every male." They were 'secure' in the strength of the elder, meaning even before going to battle, they felt sure of victory due to Jacob's merit.

In the Gate of Trust, Rabbeinu Bachya provides two interpretations of trust: one being the tranquility of the person who trusts, assured that the one entrusted will do what is best for him, believing that everything will end well. I will explain this based on a parable from the Chofetz Chaim zt"l. Suppose a sick person needs a very complex surgery and worries whether the surgeon will perform his duties faithfully and not become negligent. Before the patient goes under anesthesia, he learns that his father has been selected as his surgeon, and he calms down, thinking, "I am in good hands." Through this peace of mind, he falls asleep knowing "I am in good hands."

The allegory is that a person is created lacking many things: clothing, food, a home, a spouse, health, and many such needs cause worry. How will I find food for myself? And after marriage, for my wife and children? How will I purchase a house? How will I recover from the flu that has struck me? And many other reasons for concern that surround us in life.

The one who trusts in Hashem has peace of mind and does not worry at all, because he relies on the Creator that all his needs will be met by his heavenly Father who loves him. Just as the son of a wealthy man does not worry about where to find money for his wedding, knowing that when the time comes his father will arrange everything, so too should the believing Jew be at ease, trusting the Creator to provide for his worldly needs when necessary.

Another wonderful example of peace of mind: the one who trusts in Hashem is like a young child. King David testified about himself, trusting in the Creator as a child trusts in his mother, as stated, "If I had not calmed and quieted my soul like a weaned child is my soul upon me." It is cited in the name of the Gaon of Vilna that this is the highest level of trust. By observing a child, we learn true peace of mind.

The child is the most limited creature; he cannot feed himself, clothe himself, or find shelter. He is unable to tend to his own needs without soiling himself, yet he never seems worried. This is because he knows he has a father and mother. The last time he wanted food, he cried out, and his mother immediately came to feed him. This was also true about the mess that bothered him; just as he raised his voice, someone came to clean him, and even when his stomach ached, he got medicine to relieve the pain. A child's peace is such that when someone says a person slept well, they say he slept like a baby.

King David testified he did not worry about his provisions just as the child doesn’t worry about his next meal, feeling entirely at peace at every moment. This is also the case for a Jew who trusts in Hashem, having genuine freedom from anxiety.

Another reason a child does not worry is that he lacks the "intellect" to stress about the future and think about future issues. So too, the one who trusts feels peace in his heart, understanding that he does not have "intellect" to resolve all his problems. Even if no solution is found, he knows this comes from the lack of "intellect," and certainly the Creator can resolve the issues. Additionally, the one who trusts is calm and serene because he knows he is in good hands, and the Creator can fulfill all his lacks with ease. Just as a patient standing before surgery does not worry about how to hold the surgical knife or what to remove because he knows a more knowledgeable person will handle it, and he relies on the doctor to do his job faithfully. Similarly, the Creator’s wisdom is infinite, and He can resolve every problem in the world. 

The book 'Yagel Libi Biyeshuatecha' can be found in selected stores and at Hidabroot Shops.