G-d Never Sleeps: Trusting Divine Guidance Through Life’s Challenges

“Behold, He who guards Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps.” There is not a single moment in the world when the Blessed Creator is not watching over us and guiding all our actions. Even in difficult moments—when it seems we’ve been left alone—we must remember that Hashem does not forget anyone, not even for an instant. As King David said in divine inspiration, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” Even in moments of darkness, G-d is with us in the darkness, as it is written: “I am with him in distress.”

When this knowledge enters our heart, a new thought immediately arises within us: “There is no despair in the world at all.” Even when everything appears hopeless, dear Jew, know that G-d is with you and will never abandon you.

Reciting Verses of Bitachon (Trust in G-d)

We must internalize with certainty that G-d is all-powerful beyond human comprehension. There is absolutely nothing He cannot do. Anything we imagine in our hearts, He can bring into being. Even if the whole world tells you something is impossible, you should answer them: “It may be impossible for you, but not for the Almighty. For Him, anything is possible.”

This strength of trust must be applied in all areas of life and this awareness needs to be deeply reviewed and internalized. If we study the lives of the righteous throughout the generations—those accustomed to miracles—we’ll see that everything that happened to them occurred because they believed and knew that “there is no limitation for G-d to save, whether with many or with few.” These were the words of Yonatan, son of King Saul, to his armor-bearer when they faced a massive Philistine army. His attendant was afraid, but Yonatan reassured him with this verse.

Hashem doesn’t need a large army to win a battle. This verse gave me great strength during difficult times when, according to nature, a solution seemed impossible. I repeated to myself: “There is no limitation for G-d to save…”

This same principle is illustrated in the well-known Talmudic story (Taanit 25a) about Rabbi Chanina. His daughter accidentally lit the Shabbat candles using vinegar instead of oil. When he saw her upset, he asked what was wrong. She explained the mix-up, worried the candles wouldn’t burn. The commentators ask: Why didn’t he simply bless the vinegar and pray it would burn? Rabbi Chanina wanted to teach his daughter a profound lesson in faith. For Hashem, there is no difference between vinegar and oil—they both burn if He wills it.

Everything G-d Does Is for the Good

G-d knows exactly what is good for us and what isn’t. His understanding is infinitely deep, for He has known us since the moment we were created and therefore knows our needs better than we do. Though we often don’t understand why something is happening to us, Rabbi Akiva already taught: “A person must always accustom himself to say: ‘Everything the Merciful One does is for the good.’” This teaching is even codified in Jewish law (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 230:5). The word “everything” includes all circumstances—good or seemingly bad.

Similar to a young child who begs his mother for candy. The child cries loudly, unable to understand why she denies him. The refusal is for his own good—he just can’t see it. A Jew who prays for something and doesn’t receive it, wonders, “Why doesn’t G-d answer me?” If he understood that everything G-d does is for his ultimate benefit, he would instead try to see the hidden good in not receiving what he asked for, and accept it with love.

A Personal Story: G-d Knows Best

A number of years ago, I was searching for a rented space to open a synagogue and study hall. I found an 80-square-meter space that seemed perfect. I negotiated with the owner, and we agreed on a price and construction plans. The matter was even passed to the lawyers to prepare a contract.

That evening, the owner’s wife called and declared, with a firm voice and no explanation, that the agreement was canceled. In that moment, I turned my eyes to Heaven and asked, “Master of the world, all I want is to increase Your name and Torah in the world. Why won’t You let me?” (Of course, this question was based on a mistaken assumption.)

I concluded that perhaps this setback was a form of atonement for my sins and accepted G-d's decree with humility.

A month later, a man approached me and asked: “Is it true you’re looking for a place to build a beit midrash (study hall)? There’s a large space for rent right near your home.” I asked the size and he replied: “400 square meters.”

In that moment, I lifted my eyes to Heaven and begged forgiveness: “Father, I didn’t understand. You canceled the previous contract for my benefit, to give me a larger, more comfortable space.” In truth, the cancellation was not a punishment, but a great kindness. After negotiating with the new landlord, we finalized the agreement, and with G-d's help, we received a much larger and even better-located building.