Why Trust in Hashem Gives Us the Strength to Keep Going

Trust in Hashem is one of the foundations of Jewish life, giving a person the strength to face challenges with confidence and perseverance. In his commentary on Parshat Pinchas, Rabbenu Bachya explores the deep connection between trust, awe of Hashem, and the ability to serve Him with joy and unwavering dedication.

Trust in Hashem Is the Mark of the Righteous

"The name of Hashem is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are uplifted" (Proverbs 18:10).

In his introduction to Parshat Pinchas, Rabbenu Bachya explains that this verse highlights one of the defining qualities of a righteous person: complete trust in Hashem.

He teaches that a person is called righteous because they place their trust in Hashem with complete confidence, just as a lion naturally trusts in its own strength.

"A person is not called righteous except one who trusts in Him, as it is written, 'The righteous are confident like a lion' (Proverbs 28), for each of them trusts in the exalted Name as a lion trusts in its strength."

According to Rabbenu Bachya, trust in Hashem is not simply a comforting belief. It is an essential part of what makes a person truly righteous.

Trust Gives Us Strength to Serve Hashem

Rabbenu Bachya explains that trust in Hashem gives a person the strength to serve Him tirelessly.

When someone knows that Hashem is guiding and supporting them, they approach Torah and mitzvot with renewed energy and determination. Their spiritual strength enables them to continue serving Hashem without becoming discouraged or exhausted.

"The righteous person will run, through his trust, to exert himself in the commandments, and he will serve Hashem day and night... without growing weary."

The prophet Isaiah expresses the same idea:

"But those who hope in Hashem shall renew their strength... they shall run and not grow weary; they shall walk and not faint." (Isaiah 40:31)

Rabbenu Bachya explains that some mitzvot require extraordinary effort. Acts such as redeeming captives or saving lives demand urgency, sacrifice, and persistence. Yet those who place their trust in Hashem find the strength to continue, because their confidence comes from Him.

Spiritual Growth Requires Consistency

Rabbenu Bachya also quotes the Song of Deborah in the Book of Judges:

"Those who love Him are like the sun when it goes forth in its might." (Judges 5:31)

Just as the sun faithfully rises each day without weakening, those who truly love Hashem continue serving Him with consistency and strength.

The same principle applies to Torah study and developing qualities such as awe of Hashem. These do not happen overnight. They require daily effort, patience, and persistence until they become part of a person's character.

When serving Hashem becomes a habit rooted in love and commitment, it no longer feels like a burden.

Awe Leads to Trust

Rabbenu Bachya concludes by explaining the close relationship between awe of Hashem and trust in Him.

He cites the verse:

"You who fear Hashem, trust in Hashem." (Psalms 115:11)

A genuine awareness of Hashem naturally leads a person to rely on Him with confidence.

This, Rabbenu Bachya explains, is the meaning of the verse in Proverbs:

"The name of Hashem is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are uplifted."

The righteous person who fears Hashem knows there is always a place of refuge and protection. Because of that confidence, they are able to move forward without fear, serving Hashem with strength, dedication, and unwavering trust.

Faith gives us the certainty that Hashem exists and guides the world. Trust is what allows us to rely on Him every day, drawing strength from that relationship as we strive to fulfill His will.