Why Worry?

Guilt and worry afflict many of us even when we know that Judaism is all about joy. The Torah instructs us to stay far away from negativity – from fear, anxiety, anger, judgment, worry, frustration, sadness, and guilt. Practical emuna teaches us to look for the good in every situation, even the most trying challenge.  Since Hashem wants us to accomplish this not-so-simple feat, then we know two things: 

1. It is possible to achieve because G-d would never ask the impossible of His children; and,
2.  He wants us to work on this aspect of our character for an extremely good reason – to attain emuna.

A joyful attitude is a clear indicator of our emuna—our faith in Hashem’s wisdom and that He is doing everything for the very best for each of us. As long as our heart is with Hashem and we try to do His will, we’re good. If we fall short, this is not a time to become guilt-ridden and unhappy. Like a child reaching out to a parent, we simply turn to Hashem and communicate with Him our sincere feeling about our effort. When we speak to Hashem, He helps us gain clarity in challenging times. If we beat ourselves up, self-persecute, or blame others, our actions show that we are not aware-that Hashem Alone determines outcomes. The answer is to share our struggles with Hashem.

People claim that they have emuna and show proof – they pray profusely! Yet, they pray for what they do not want. Why would anyone do that? Energetically, what we focus upon expands and manifests itself in reality. When we focus on our troubles, they naturally increase and become even more real. Knowing this universal truth, Judaism provides us with two sayings to remind us to look only at the good in every situation and in every person. These two sayings are:

1. “Think good, and it will be good!” (In Yiddish, Tracht gudt v’zein gudt); and,
2. “This, too, is for the good.” (In Hebrew, Gam Zu L’Tova).

Worry deflates emuna and, therefore, negates the teaching that G-d does everything for our very best and for a purpose. Hashem is omnipotent, loving, and kind, so we give our worry over to Him. He is waiting for our communication. We release the worry, we let go, and we let Him handle it. Our job is to keep connecting with Him, to keep learning, growing, doing yet another mitzvah, and knowing that it will be good. If we are working on ourselves to be positive, looking only at the good even in difficult situations, and are kind and non-judgmental, then we can be happy that the tests Hashem sends will uplift us to our highest spiritual potential. From this perspective, we learn not to blame any person or event for whatever happens in our life; it’s all from Hashem and all for the best. If we face a test ourselves or even help someone else who is in a similar situation, we demonstrate to Hashem that our hearts are in the right place. For example, if we have a problem with livelihood, instead of tightening up on giving charity, we still give commensurate with our means. We remain grateful and positive. We try to locate those who are worse off and contribute to assist them. Hashem loves when His children help each other. When we help others, G-d helps us measure for measure. When we are happy, we strengthen our faith in Hashem’s promise that ultimately joy will replace sorrow. With that in mind, there’s truly no need to worry!