How Can We Remain Positive During Difficult Times?

What causes observant Jews, according to statistics, to be more satisfied with their lives? We will continue to explain.

To the previous chapter: The Fourth Reason – Real Food for the Soul

The Fifth Reason: Special Powers to Cope in Times of Trouble and Anxiety

A person whose life is built upon the foundations of the Torah and commandments, when faced with various difficulties, distress, or crises, has a very specialtool for coping, known as "trust in Hashem" - which calms him and gives him strength. He relies on the Creator, trusting that He does and will do the best for him, like a father for his son. This person knows that he only needs to make a reasonable effort, and Hashem takes care of him in the best way.

Even if it seems to him that a bad event may occur, he knows and feels that ultimately it will turn out to be for his benefit, and at this moment he is just in the middle of the "movie". Even if he does not find a reason for his suffering, he understands that the hardships came upon him for his own good, to atone for his sins, and he knows he has nothing to worry about, as he is in good hands.

This faith certainly instills in him new strength and hope for a better future and therefore his life is more peaceful and happy.

We may all see the same things, but we interpret them from our perspective. Two people can witness the same event - one interprets it positively, and the other negatively. One interprets the event as joyful, while the other sees it as sad.

When a person places his trust in the Creator of the world, he remains optimistic about every incident and interprets it positively, because he knows and feels that his Father in heaven takes care of all his needs. Even if an event cannot be viewed positively, he trusts in Hashem that soon the trouble will end, and his life will improve.

A survey conducted by the Central Bureau of Statistics (the 2006 Social Survey) revealed that those who follow the path of Torah and commandments always have hope that their future will be better, more than others in the population, which ultimately makes them happier.

The survey (mentioned above) found that those who manage their lives according to the Torah's guidance lead calmer lives and experience significantly less anxiety and stress compared to other groups in the population (for example, only 13.7% of the ultra-Orthodox reported feelings of anxiety and stress compared to about 25% of the non-religious).

In the next chapter, the Sixth Reason: Life Without Disappointments.