Live With Certainty: Learning to Trust

A prologue to studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart) by Rabeinu Bachya, which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

Studying Sha’ar HaBitachon, The Gate of Trust, from the classic text of Chovot Halevavot (Duties of the Heart), which teaches how to live with trust, certainty and tranquility.

We now move onto the next big benefit Bitachon provides: the serenity and peace of mind of only a person whose livelihood is secure can afford. Simply stated: having real trust in Hashem will necessarily equal living with less worry and anxiety – quite literally!

We continue to frame Bitachon's benefits by means of a medieval metaphor. Yet, as it turns out, the person possessing real trust in Hashem has even less to worry about than one who could magically transform cheap materials into precious metals. In fact, the truly trusting individual's inner tranquility is by far superior to the mythical alchemist who would theoretically enjoy peace of mind as a result of his guaranteed source of plenty.

Our mandate to strive towards greater trust in Hashem was taught to us in the infancy of our nationhood with the decades-long manna miracle. To highlight the incredibly good fortune of achieving absolute Bitachon, we move forward into the life and times of the prophets Elijah and Obadiah. By directing our attention to a selection of dramatic - yet not entirely miraculous - Biblical narratives that are rooted in the rock-solid Bitachon of the central actors, Rabbeinu Bachaya continues to make the case for total trust in Hashem today!

Rabbeinu Bachaya returns to contrasting the peace of mind and tranquility attained by the alchemist with the person who has attained absolute trust in Hashem. Despite the latter's relatively easy quick-get-rich schemes, the reality of every vocation's occupational hazard and the possibility of a workplace accident are a cause of continuous anxiety. Not so the person living with Bitachon who is capable of reaching true tranquility!

Ironically the “lucky one” possessing keys to unlocking quick riches is always anxious and forever looking over his shoulder, trusting no one. Conversely those living with trust in Hashem experience inner peace and is absolved of worries, anxiety and concern – as only Bitachon enables true personal tranquility!

The "Person of Faith" lives with a true sense of inner peace—fully relying on G-d for his needs, and has absolute trust that Hashem will sustain and provide for him. Rabbeinu Bachaya frames this idea of G-d being the sole source of sustenance across the full spectrum of our material reality. From the lowliest-embryos to highest-flying birds, and from deepest seas to densest geologies, there is only one true Provider who continually sustains all life despite their frail nature.

Rabbeinu Bachaya maintains that ultimately all earthly powers seek to dominate, control or even harm us, and only full Bitachon can free us from fearing them. People, animals and even inanimate objects may threaten our wellbeing, yet if we place total trust in Hashem, He will shield and protect us from all harm. He powerfully illustrates this idea that the person possessing faithful trust has no reason to be fearful, as he will be shielded by G-d Himself!

Health Deterioration can rob people of their happiness and impair their ability to enjoy accumulated wealth and material possessions, for money can’t buy health. Trusting in Hashem’s goodness grants a purposeful perspective on sickness and suffering that transforms the impact of these unpleasant and painful experiences.