"I Asked Him the Secret of His Joy Amidst Struggles, and This is What He Does Every Day"

Rabbi Pinchas Shafer shared in his column in the 'Private Providence' newsletter about an encounter with a special person who learned how to be full of joy in life, even when facing difficult challenges. He writes: "When I listen to messages on the 'Private Providence' line, there's a certain voice that excites me. It belongs to a regular contributor who shares words of encouragement and faith. As soon as I hear the first word and recognize it's him, I know I'm about to hear something new, a fresh revelation."

"His words are well-founded, and he quotes from early and later sources and various places in the Torah, with wonderful interpretations. His mastery of the sources proves he is a distinguished scholar. His messages are full of life and joy, and when you hear a person speak like that, you paint a complete picture of a good life, good children, abundance, and joy," writes Rabbi Shafer. And here comes the turning point.

"With Hashem's help, I got to meet and get to know this learned man. During our conversation, he tells me he has a child who suffers from severe developmental delay and how challenging it is. The child doesn't speak, and they constantly need to know where he is and what he is doing, taking him to follow-up appointments and treatments. 'So how?', I asked him in astonishment, 'How can you be such a happy person? Your voice is so full of life, and your words bring joy to hearts. I was sure you were the happiest person in the world.'"

His answer amazed Rabbi Shafer, and he shares: "'I am truly happy,' he tells me, 'but it wasn't always so. For many years I lamented my bitter fate. I knew, heard, and read many words of encouragement and faith. I knew a lot, but my heart couldn't accept the reality. The big turning point happened three years ago. Someone introduced me to the 'Private Providence' line, and I started listening to it every day. Since then, joy entered my life. I listen over and over, that everything Hashem does is for the best. Suddenly I received a new light on all my challenges, and this time it wasn't just intellectual knowledge, but finally, my heart understood that this is what Hashem wants, and it’s what’s best for me. Today I am satisfied with all the gifts that Hashem has sent me.' I understood from his personal sharing that instilling faith and trust can only happen with daily consistency, listening to faith daily, learning faith daily. This is what brings a life of peace, tranquility, and joy," he concludes.

To hear words of encouragement and faith daily, you don't need to add time to your day. You can listen to lessons on faith daily during your commute to work/study and back, or while doing various tasks at home. Daily listening to words of encouragement, even just for ten minutes, will instill renewed strength in you and provide you a complete and peaceful perspective on your life.  

Rabbi Yigal Cohen in his lesson 'When You Are in the Hardest Time of Your Life.' Watch:

What is the blessing that will fulfill all your heart's desires? A must-watch lesson by Rabbi Yigal Cohen: