Life’s Ups and Downs: 4 Ways Falling Helps Us Grow

Life is filled with ups and downs, especially in our spiritual journey. At times, we feel close, inspired, and uplifted. At other times, we stumble, feel distant, or disappointed in ourselves. In this article, we explore why Hashem’s faith in us never wavers, even when we fall, and how these natural highs and lows actually help us grow.

Benefit #1: Seeing Ourselves Clearly

We ask Hashem to “shine His countenance upon us,” which Rashi explains as a request for joy and inner light. Sometimes, a person experiences exactly that. Prayer feels sweet and uplifting. Every word flows easily, learning feels exciting, and there is a deep sense of closeness to Hashem that can last for hours or even days.

After such moments, it is natural to feel confident. A person may think, “Baruch Hashem, I am among those who serve Hashem sincerely. I feel pure and elevated.”

But something important can be overlooked. Feeling inspired does not mean all inner struggles have disappeared. Deep character traits often remain hidden until they are tested. A fall or setback brings those traits to the surface and shows us where we still need to grow.

Imagine someone returning home after a spiritually uplifting day, feeling calm and almost angelic. Then a small irritation appears, and suddenly anger or impatience emerges. That moment can be painful, but it is also revealing. It shows us who we truly are beneath the inspiration.

These experiences protect us from living under the illusion of perfection. They help us ask honest questions: Where am I still struggling? What part of my character needs more work? The ups and downs give us a truthful picture of ourselves and point us toward the areas that need attention.

Benefit #2: Revealing Real Faith

Belief is easy when life is comfortable and everything is going well. The real test of faith comes during difficulty, when we feel distant, disappointed, or confused.

When a person continues to turn to Hashem even after a fall, starting again despite discouragement, that is a powerful expression of true belief. Trusting Hashem when the path is unclear is the essence of bitachon, relying on Him completely.

Each time a person stumbles and chooses to begin again, they demonstrate genuine faith. Not the faith of comfort, but the faith of commitment.

Benefit #3: Breaking Spiritual Routine

Spiritual routine can be dangerous. When a person serves Hashem out of habit, without awareness or effort, growth can quietly stall. A setback can act as a wake up call, shaking a person out of spiritual autopilot.

Falling below one’s expectations forces reflection. It reminds us that spiritual life requires ongoing effort, focus, and protection. In this way, a fall can renew seriousness and motivation in serving Hashem.

Benefit #4: Learning Humility

After a failure, a person may feel frustration or even inner rebellion, thinking, “How could this happen to me?” Often, this reaction is rooted in pride, the belief that we are beyond such mistakes.

Downfalls teach humility. They remind us that no achievement stands on its own and that every success comes only with Hashem’s help. Even when we have grown significantly, challenges remain. A fall gently brings us back to the truth that we are always dependent on Hashem.

Are We Expected to Never Fail?

Human nature includes struggle. Hashem knows this. Our sages teach that repentance was created before the world itself, showing that Hashem anticipated failure and built return into the very structure of creation.

Hashem does not expect perfection. What He asks of us is perseverance.

We are not expected to win every battle. We are expected to stand up again after each fall. The measure of success is not flawless victory, but the refusal to give up.

Our failures were foreseen. Choice remains in our hands, but guaranteed victory does not. What is always available, however, is the ability to rise and continue.

Growth Is Built Step by Step

Spiritual growth can be compared to constructing a building. Sometimes a floor collapses. It feels like everything has fallen apart. But when rebuilding begins, that new level often stands higher than before.

Each fall, followed by renewed effort, becomes the foundation for greater growth. Even setbacks play a role in helping us reach higher levels than we could have reached otherwise.

Hashem believes in us not because we never fall, but because we are capable of rising again.