The Power of Trust in God: How Faith Brings Blessing and Why Negative Thoughts Attract Trouble

The trait of bitachon (trust in God) is vital and life-changing. When you cultivate true trust in the Creator, you will discover that what awaits you is a life without lack, and where your heart’s deepest wishes can be fulfilled.

In this article, I will share verses from Tehillim (Psalms), and teachings of our Sages that reveal the blessings of trust. In addition, the holy books mention a unique spiritual practice of reciting verses of trust in God. These verses have the power to strengthen your heart and bring you salvation from any trouble. The more we repeat them, the more deeply this trust becomes part of us.

“Blessed Is the Man Who Trusts in the Lord”

“Blessed is the man who makes the Lord his trust, and does not turn to the arrogant or to falsehood.” (Tehillim 40:5)

Happy is the person who does not rely on politicians, doctors, bankers, friends, or anyone else who ultimately cannot control life’s outcomes, but instead puts all his trust in God. Our Sages even hint that this verse refers to Joseph, who once turned to Pharaoh’s cupbearer instead of placing his faith solely in the Almighty.

“Cast Your Burden on the Lord”

“Cast your burden on the Lord, and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall… But I will trust in You.” (Tehillim 55:23)

The Talmud explains that “your burden” means your load. Throw the weight of your life onto God, and don’t try to carry it alone.

Why does the verse say “cast” rather than “place”? Because to place something in someone’s hand shows doubt — maybe they won’t catch it. However, when you throw something, you must be absolutely sure that the other person will catch it. That is exactly what David the King teaches: throw the burdens of your life onto God without fear, trusting He will catch them. And the promise is clear, that He will sustain you unconditionally.

“He Will Not Fear Bad News”

“He will not fear bad news; his heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.” (Tehillim 112:7)

The Talmud tells of Hillel the Elder, who once heard a loud cry in the city (like an ambulance siren today). He calmly said: “I am certain this is not from my home.” This was because he trusted fully in God that no calamity would strike his house.

In our time, a person who trusts God will not be shaken by fears of war, economic crisis, or illness. He knows with certainty that such troubles will not harm his household.

“What I Feared Has Come Upon Me”

“For the thing I greatly feared has come upon me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” (Iyov 3:25)
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” (Mishlei 29:25)

The Talmud teaches that Iyov (Job), though righteous, lived in constant fear of losing his wealth, his children, or his health. Tragically, the very things he feared most came to pass: in a single day he lost his fortune, his children, and his health.

The lesson is that negative thoughts can bring negative outcomes. Just as faith and positive trust draw blessings, constant dread can create openings for suffering. If we believe that God loves us and will grant us peace, health, livelihood, and joy, those blessings are drawn into our lives. If however we obsess over fears regarding illness, poverty, or loss, we may, God forbid, invite them.

It is so important to train ourselves to imagine a positive future filled with light and blessing. If a negative thought arises, we must immediately counter it by reciting verses of trust to reset your heart toward hope.

A Personal Lesson: The Power of Negative Thoughts

While preparing for my rabbinical exams many years ago, I studied the laws of mourning. I felt uneasy, because studying death is not pleasant, but it was required.

While learning, I began to wonder: What if I, God forbid, had to sit shiva? How would I react?

A few months later, my beloved mother suddenly passed away at the age of 52. During the mourning, I recalled those very thoughts and realized how true the Sages’ words are: “What I feared has come upon me.” Since then, I’ve worked hard to push away such thoughts whenever they appear.

Another powerful example came while teaching the laws of Shabbat. We discussed life-threatening situations where Shabbat may be broken, such as when a child who has undergone heart surgery experiences unusual pain. As I gave the example, my mind immediately thought of my own daughter, who had heart surgery just months earlier.

That very Shabbat morning, my wife woke me urgently: “Get up — the child has severe chest pains.” Nothing I tried would calm her, and for the first time in her life, I needed to call an ambulance on Shabbat to rush her to the hospital.

Our thoughts matter. Trust in God creates peace, blessing, and strength, while negative fears can open the door to suffering.

Recite verses of trust, fill your heart with hope, and remind yourself that God is the ultimate source of good. By doing so, you align your life with faith, security, and blessing.