Proof That Hashem Has Mercy

Liora (a pseudonym) asks:

"Does Hashem want us to suffer? Why does He test man? I feel that when I pray for something specific to happen, Hashem hears but doesn't answer. What does Hashem gain from us suffering?"

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Hello and blessings,

Hashem doesn't benefit from anyone. After all, He created the entire reality, and we can't give Him anything of our own because everything we have comes from Him.

As the Sages said: Give Him what is His, for you and yours are His. Hashem asks a man to put up a mezuzah only after giving him a house. Hashem asks a man to perform a brit milah on his son only after giving him a son. Hashem asks a man to put on tefillin only after giving him a hand. Hashem asks a man to guard the purity of his eyes only after giving him eyes. And in everything that Hashem asks of us, it is only after He has given us a gift worth thousands of times more than our deeds.

In Hashem's eyes, there is no concept of evil or cruelty, because everything He does is only for your benefit and well-being.

Hashem loves you with unconditional love. Furthermore, Hashem has more mercy on you than anyone else because He created the attribute of mercy. Without Him, you wouldn't be able to feel mercy for anyone, not even yourself.

Cats, for example, don't feel mercy, and a cat wouldn't be moved by seeing another cat run over on the road (and unfortunately, there are also cruel people who don't feel mercy). Mercy is a spiritual concept that comes from Him. Since Hashem created the concept of mercy, He is the source of all mercy, and all the mercy you feel for yourself or others comes only from Him. Thus, you should know that He knows exactly how you feel, has mercy on you, and wants the best for you.

However, sometimes Hashem doesn't grant a person's request because what they ask for might harm them at this time, or because it has been decreed upon them to atone for sins from this life or previous ones. In such a case, we must continue to pray to break the decree and open the gates of heaven, and not despair.

The situation you describe is indeed a very difficult trial, but know that Hashem only gives trials to those who are very strong and capable of withstanding the test and achieving great strength through it. By trusting in Him and continuing to pray, your reward is multiplied in the world to come, and you gain protection and salvation in matters you aren't even aware of in this world.

It is very important that you study in the following articles about the nature of prayer and suffering:

Why does Hashem want us to pray? Why doesn't He give immediately?
https://www.hidabroot.org/he/article/2927

If everything is for good - then why pray?
https://www.hidabroot.org/he/article/3024

If a loving Father - then why does it hurt?
https://www.hidabroot.org/he/article/99775

Small father and big father - How to view Hashem?
https://www.hidabroot.org/he/article/95502

Answer to Job's question:
https://www.hidabroot.org/he/article/88622