On Suffering, Hidden Kindness, and the Power of Trust in God

In his book Shomer Emunim, Rabbi Aharon Rata discusses the concept of suffering, and explains that although it appears to us as great misfortune, everything that God does with us is in fact filled with immense kindness and compassion, like a father striking his child out of deep love and mercy. When Mashiach will be revealed, we will finally see the goodness that was hidden within all the troubles, concealments, and harsh decrees. At that time, we will truly say, as King David wrote (Tehillim 118): “I thank You, for You have afflicted me.” We will give thanks to God for everything He did with us in exile.

God is great, and His power is beyond comprehension. In return for our suffering, He will grant us rewards and blessings beyond measure, far beyond human understanding, even beyond the grasp of the prophets. As Yeshayahu said (64:3): “No eye has seen it, O God, but You — what He will do for those who wait for Him.” Even the prophets were not shown the full greatness of the reward reserved for Israel, as explained in the Midrash (Yalkut Yeshayahu 508).

The Value of Suffering

All the suffering of Israel in this world, aside from being hidden kindness in itself, also serves as a powerful atonement. The Midrash on Tehillim (118) teaches: “The Lord has chastened me greatly.” Afflictions are beloved, because they bring atonement like sacrifices. In sacrifices it says: “It shall be accepted to atone for him,” and in suffering it says: “As a father desires the son he loves.”

In fact, suffering atones even more than sacrifices. A sin-offering or guilt-offering only atones for one specific sin, but suffering atones for everything. Thus, even in the pain itself, there is immeasurable hidden good.

Yeshayahu (60:4) describes the final gathering: “Lift up your eyes and see: they all gather together, they come to you; your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be carried at the side.” This refers to the gathering of all the holy sparks created through the Jewish People's struggles in exile — through repentance, faith, suffering, Torah, prayer, and acts of kindness. All will be gathered and revealed.

At that time it will be said (Yeshayahu 49:21): “You will say in your heart: Who bore me these, when I was bereaved and alone, exiled and cast off? Who raised these? Behold, I was left alone — where did these come from?” The Jewish People will look back and be astonished: in the darkness of exile they thought they were poor, broken, and had accomplished little. Yet suddenly they will see the vast light and eternal treasures created by their faith and mitzvot, even in moments of despair.

Infinite Kindness Revealed

In that future time, every Jew will be surrounded by countless angels, spiritual companions, and unimaginable delights, as the Sages taught. We will give thanks for the miracles God performed for us in return for the “small measure of suffering” we endured in exile.

As the prophet Zephaniah (3:14) says: “Sing, daughter of Zion; shout, Israel; rejoice and exult with all your heart, daughter of Jerusalem.” All the strength of the nations will then be given over to the Jewish People, as it says (Yeshayahu 60:5): “The wealth of nations shall come to you.” All that was taken from us in exile will be returned, and multiplied without limit.

Hope and Trust Bring Joy

Returning to Psalms 118: “I thank You, for You have afflicted me,” followed by “This is from the Lord; it is wondrous in our eyes.” The Midrash explains that the Jewish People will be astonished at the final redemption, realizing how little they truly understood God’s ways.

Just as the nations will look and say: “Are these not the same beaten-down people we saw in exile?” so too will the People of Israel will be amazed: “Are we really the same nation that suffered?” And the answer will be: “This is from the Lord.” Then all will join in praise: “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His kindness endures forever.”

Our task is to always trust in God’s great Name. Whoever trusts in Him will never falter. Even harsh decrees are overturned through trust — sometimes even more than through prayer itself. As taught in Chovot HaLevavot (Duties of the Heart, Gate of Trust), the power of trust in God is endless. “Happy are all who take refuge in Him” (Tehillim 2).

With such trust, we can face any trial without fear. True trust means not being afraid of anything in this world. Even in moments of darkness and concealment, a person strengthens his heart in God the Compassionate, knowing that eventually everything will be corrected.

God Longs for Our Return

God desires the repentance of the wicked, even those who have fallen to the lowest depths; He longs for every Jew to improve their deeds. One must never rely on lies, excuses, or chance.

As Yeshayahu (43:2) promises: “When you pass through the waters, I am with you; through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire, you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you.”

May it be God’s will that we always trust in Him, cling to His ways, and rejoice in His Kingdom forever.