How to Strengthen Your Trust in G-d: The 7 Pillars from Duties of the Heart

Rabbeinu Bahya Ibn Paquda, in his well-known work Duties of the Heart (Chovot HaLevavot), outlines in the “Gate of Trust” (Sha'ar HaBitachon) seven conditions that, when a person truly internalizes them, indicate that their trust in G-d is complete. These are:

1. G-d is more compassionate than anyone else

I trust in G-d's love for me more than in any human being’s. Every expression of mercy we experience in this world is ultimately an extension of G-d’s mercy. 

“First, that the Creator, blessed be He, is more merciful to a person than any other being. All the compassion and kindness shown to a person by others stems from the mercy and kindness of G-d.”

2. G-d is the wisest and knows what is truly best for me

I place my trust solely in G-d, because He created me and understands me fully. Only He knows what is truly good for me in every situation. 

“Second, that the Creator’s wisdom encompasses all the ways that benefit human beings, because man is His creation. No one else can truly know what improves a person’s condition, what harms them, or what leads to healing and wellbeing—more than the One who designed and formed them.”

3. G-d is more powerful than anything else

I trust that G-d is all-powerful, and that nothing can stand in the way of His will. He can fulfill all my hopes and needs. 

“Third, that the Creator is mightier than all powers, and His decree overrides all others. Nothing can reverse His judgment.”

4. G-d watches over every detail of my life

I trust that G-d is fully attentive. Nothing escapes His awareness—from the smallest to the greatest detail. He knows what I need and never ignores or forgets me. 

“Fourth, that He watches over all the affairs of human beings. He does not abandon them or overlook anything. Nothing is hidden from Him—not the smallest detail, not the largest—and no matter is ever forgotten.”

5. Everything that happens is by G-d’s decree

I trust that no one can help me or harm me, unless G-d has allowed it. I am in His hands alone. 

“Fifth, that no created being can benefit or harm themselves—or others—except with the permission of the Creator, blessed be He. When a person internalizes that no one can help or harm them except by G-d’s will, they will stop fearing people and will place their trust in G-d alone.”

6. G-d acts with kindness, even when undeserved

I trust that G-d is generous and full of goodness, constantly giving and doing kindness for His creations, even when they are not worthy of it. 

“Sixth, that a person should recognize G-d’s immense goodness and generosity, and that G-d began doing good to them purely out of kindness, not because they earned it or because He needs anything from them. All that He gives is out of love and mercy.”

7. Only G-d determines what happens and when

I trust that everything that exists in this world has a fixed measure set by G-d. Each event has its time, place, and limit. Nothing and no one can alter that—neither increase nor decrease it. 

“Seventh, that one must clearly understand that everything in this world—both in essence and circumstance—has a known boundary. Nothing can exceed or fall short of what G-d has decreed: not in quantity, not in quality, not in timing, and not in location. What may seem like a change or reversal is in fact only a fulfillment of G-d’s original decree, which was known to Him from the beginning. Every divine decree has its cause, and every cause has a cause before it.”

These seven foundations lay the groundwork for complete trust (bitachon) in G-d, that brings peace, resilience, and a deep sense of security, even in uncertain times.