10 Powerful Steps to Strengthen Faith and Trust in God

Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Lugasi presents ten practical, step-by-step guidelines to help us strengthen our faith (emunah) and trust (bitachon) in God:

1. Recognize the necessity of faith in daily life

First and foremost, we must understand that faith is essential for every person. In our generation — known as Ikveta de-Meshicha (the footsteps of the Messiah), the only true way to leave this world with spiritual merit is through faith, which enables us to reach the level of the righteous.

2. Develop a genuine desire

After realizing that faith is indispensable, one must cultivate a deep yearning for it. Rabbi Lugasi writes: “One must wholeheartedly desire to acquire it, strengthen the longing to cleave to it, and constantly remind oneself of its necessity, its greatness, its immense reward, and its purpose — until one burns with enthusiasm to attain it.”

3. Make a firm decision

At this stage, one must make a conscious decision: faith is worth investing in. Rabbi Lugasi emphasizes: “This trait is so precious that it is worth dedicating even fifteen minutes a day to reflect, to consider how everything is in God’s hands, under His providence, and ultimately for the good.”

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4. Study books on faith and trust

Reading works that strengthen faith and trust is vital. These include Chovot HaLevavot, Ohr Yechezkel (section on faith), HaMaspik LeOvdai Hashem by Rabbi Avraham son of the Rambam, and Shomer Emunim (Part I: essays on providence and trust), among others.

5. Rehearse faith in everyday activities

During routine activities such as shopping, errands, or simple tasks, get used to speaking about Divine Providence. Turn to God for help, even in small matters. “A person must constantly remind himself that he needs God’s help in everything, without exception.”

6. Put faith into practice

This is the core of emunah: seeing God’s providence in everything — both the joyous and the disappointing. For example: if someone spoke harshly to you, if your tea came without sugar, or if you lost an item, train yourself to say, “This too is Divine Providence, and it is for my good.” Similarly, remember that any money earned or good received did not come from your own cleverness but from God’s will. The more one habituates oneself to this mindset, the more one will be prepared for life’s challenges. As Rabbi Lugasi writes: “Know this: every day, God prepares for each person specific tests to see if he seeks Him. His eyes watch and His eyelids test mankind. And in the end, each test will be reviewed, and one’s spiritual level will be determined accordingly.”

7. Pray simply

Before every action, pray to God in simple, personal words, just as you would speak to a friend. Do what is in your power (hishtadlut), but entrust the outcome entirely to Him.

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8. Stay prepared (konanut)

A person must prepare himself in advance for situations likely to arouse anger, pride, or other negative traits. For instance, if you know in advance that a situation at home may cause tension, make up your mind beforehand not to get angry under any circumstances.

9. Recover quickly after failure

If you stumble, you can still be victorious. “Even when the trial was beyond your capacity… know that victory is still yours, if you recover quickly. The faster you rise from disappointment and return to calmness and clarity of mind, the higher your level of faith will rise.”

10. Justify God’s judgment (tzidduk ha-din)

In every disappointing event, imagine that God Himself is telling you: “My child, it is I! I arranged this event for you, and it is for your ultimate good.” In this way, one learns to accept God’s will with love, seeing it as an atonement for sins and rejoicing in every moment of spiritual triumph.

A final piece of advice: judging others favorably

Rabbi Lugasi concludes with a principle in interpersonal relationships: “In righteousness shall you judge your fellow” (Leviticus 19:15). This mitzvah teaches us to always judge others favorably. When you train yourself to assume that others did not intend harm, you will likewise learn to justify God’s actions and believe with certainty that His guidance is always for your good.”