Why G-d Created the World: The Purpose Behind Our Struggles and Divine Mercy

In the introduction to his book Derech Hashem, the Ramchal (Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto) writes that the Creator is the ultimate good and the nature of good is to bestow goodness. G-d therefore created His creations in order to do good for them. However, since human beings are embarrassed by unearned kindness, this phenomenon is called “nahama d’kisufa”—the “bread of shame.”

Similar to someone who gives us food every day for free, over time, we would begin to feel embarrassed. G-d wanted His creations to receive goodness as a result of their own efforts, rather than as charity, and for this reason, He placed us in this world with many tests—so that by choosing good and avoiding evil, we can earn eternal reward.

After understanding this beautiful concept, imagine a father sending his son on a difficult mission, at the end of which the son will be crowned with a great title. Surely the father wants nothing more than for his son to succeed. Similarly, G-d sent our souls into this world so that we could overcome obstacles and pass the test of life. Certainly, the Almighty hopes for and desires our success. If we truly believe in His great love for us, we will trust that He will help us through life’s challenges, just as a child relies on the love and support of a parent.

G-d Has Mercy on Me

You’ve likely encountered a poor person begging for food or money to satisfy their hunger, or even more difficult, someone suffering from a serious illness asking for help with overwhelming medical expenses that may determine their survival. Instantly, your heart fills with compassion, and you offer whatever help you can—even to someone you don’t know—because mercy is not based on familiarity, but on human empathy.

The same is true of the Creator, who possesses more compassion than all creatures combined. All mercy in the world flows from Him, as it says (Deuteronomy 13:11), “And He will give you mercy and be merciful to you.” If you ask that poor man why he thinks people will give him charity, he will likely respond: “Because the Jewish people are merciful, children of the merciful.”

In the same way, a Jew who trusts in G-d knows that even if he is unworthy, G-d is full of compassion and will treat His children with kindness beyond what they deserve. When a person turns to G-d in heartfelt prayer and supplication, he activates the attribute of Divine mercy, and G-d then responds to him with this wondrous measure of compassion.

Remembering G-d Always

“Behold, the Guardian of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.” There is no moment in this world when G-d is not watching over us, guiding every detail of our lives. Even during the darkest times, when we feel completely alone, we must remember that G-d never forgets anyone, even for a moment. As King David said in his divine spirit, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” Even in darkness, G-d is with us, as it is written: “I am with him in distress.”

When this awareness takes root in our hearts, it immediately inspires a powerful realization that “There is no such thing as despair in the world”. Even when the situation seems hopeless, know that G-d is with you, and He will never abandon you.