Imagine for a moment that you needed to hire someone to do an important job, like a financial advisor or a babysitter for your little one. Would you trust the Tooth Fairy to do the job?
Now, you are probably saying to yourself, “That is very silly! The Tooth Fairy does not even exist!” It would surely be foolish to trust someone fictitious with any task, let alone such an important one!
This is why Emunah, knowledge of Hashem’s existence, is such a crucial prerequisite to Bitachon (see Bitachon: What it isn’t, What it is for a definition of Bitachon). If I am going to trust that everything Hashem’s does is for a reason and is in my best interest, I had better be convinced of His existence and involvement in this world!
What if I don’t know Hashem?
This leads us to a big problem: many people are not so sure that God really exists. Even if you think that God probably exists, and even live your life accordingly, you may still harbor doubts, often or occasionally. You may feel pretty certain that God created and runs the world, but do not live your daily life with that constant awareness.
The good news is that there are specific things you can do to increase your belief in and awareness of God.
Look at nature
When you watch a breathtaking sunset or view a stunning mountain range, it is impossible to imagine that these things are the product of chance rather than design. Just as you would think it ludicrous for a Shakespeare novel or Beethoven symphony to have emerged accidentally on its own, it is crazy to believe that this amazing world is without a Creator.
I still remember the chemistry class I took in college. I watched the teacher sketch on the board how the different elements combine, demonstrating how everything on this earth works together to make all things that we need. I felt incredibly awed by the wondrous complexity and detail that comprises all that we take so for granted.
Think about the human body
The human body is really just another wonder of nature. But I list this separately because when you think about all the intricate systems that are needed for our bodies to function, you will realize that surely we were created with tremendous care, and did not just evolve by chance.
Imagine what would go into creating a robot that mimicks a human being and all of its functions! What a wondrous machine it would be that could see, hear, speak, and feel! Certainly it would take careful design and planning! And what amazing machines are the bodies we sometimes take for granted, which even have souls in them!
After birth, I marvel at the tiny little infant that was inside me just moments before. And sometimes I look at a grown person and think, “Wow, that person was once a tiny creature inside of his mother!”
Incredible!
See God when things are going well
Make it a habit to recognize that God is behind everything that happens to you. When you make all the green lights, notice that God let things go your way. If the results of a test were favorable, realize that God decided it should be so. When the kids play nicely instead of fighting, view it as a gift from Hashem.
Talk to Hashem
Whether you choose to engage in traditional prayer or informal conversation with God, you will increase your awareness that He is right there with you all the time. Ask Hashem to help you (“Please help me find my toddler’s other shoe”), and remember to thank Him when He helps you out (“Thanks for getting the stain out of my favorite outfit!”).
Don’t trust the Tooth Fairy, she isn’t really there! Look for God; you will see Him everywhere.
Post a comment to share how you increase your awareness of Hashem, where you find Him in everyday life, or how you like to connect with God!
