“There Is Nothing Besides Him”: The Secret for Protection and Inner Calm

Rabbi Chaim of Volozhin, one of the foremost students of the Vilna Gaon, writes in his sefer Nefesh HaChaim about a powerful spiritual remedy to be saved from any distress.

In a time of difficulty, a person should focus deeply on the thought: “There is nothing besides Him.” One should internalize that there is absolutely no independent power in existence other than the Creator, and that all worlds are filled only with His unity.

When a person attaches their thoughts, in a moment of distress, to the One Master alone, they can be saved from any hardship.

His Exact Words

Rabbi Chaim writes that this is a great principle and a wondrous remedy to remove and nullify all judgments and negative forces, so they cannot affect a person at all.

When a person firmly accepts in their heart that God is the true and only power, and that nothing else exists independently, and they completely dismiss any other force or influence, focusing their pure thoughts solely on the One Master, then God will ensure that all other forces are nullified and cannot harm them in any way.

Even a Simple Person Can Access This

The powerful novelty in Rabbi Chaim’s teaching is that this is not limited to great spiritual figures. Even an ordinary person, who does not usually live on a high spiritual level, can access this protection.

If such a person strengthens their awareness, even for a short time, in the truth that “there is nothing besides Him,” especially in a moment of danger, that connection alone can protect and save them from harm.

The Rambam, who lived centuries earlier, already expressed this same idea. He explains that a person becomes vulnerable to random events and dangers when they are disconnected from God. But someone who keeps God present within them will not be harmed at all.

Protection Described in Tehillim

The Rambam points to Psalm 91, known as the “Song of Protection,” which describes the immense divine protection granted to one who is connected to God.

This protection includes being saved from traps, illness, fear of the night, danger by day, and destructive forces. The psalm emphasizes that such a person is shielded from both natural dangers and painful experiences.

The reason for this protection is also stated clearly: “Because he desires Me, I will rescue him; I will elevate him because he knows My Name.”

The Rambam explains that this protection comes as a result of a person’s attachment to God and their inner connection to Him.

Words of Strength from the Prophets

The Rambam also brings powerful verses from Yeshayahu: “Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will support you with My righteous right hand.”

And: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name, you are Mine. When you pass through water, I am with you; through rivers, they will not sweep you away. When you walk through fire, you will not be burned.”

A Mindset That Transforms Reality

This teaching reveals a profound idea. When a person truly internalizes that God is the only power, and connects their thoughts to that truth, it creates a reality of protection.

This is not just belief. It is a focused, conscious attachment that has the power to remove fear, neutralize negative forces, and bring real salvation.

In moments of fear or uncertainty, returning to this simple but powerful thought can bring both inner calm and divine protection.