The Calmer Ride to Success

​A fundamental concept in Jewish outlook is the Hishtadlus-Bitachon Principle.
 
Hishtadlus means PERSONAL EFFORT like going to work, studying or taking care of one’s health.  It’s what we all do to make a living, become successful and stay well.
 
Bitachon, on the other hand means RELIANCE ON GOD that our efforts will be fruitful.
 
The rabbis teach that hishtadlus and bitachon must go hand in hand.  To have one without the other is not necessarily a prescription for success.
 
A very important insight into the bitachon-hishtadlus principle is that even when we are on the hishtadlus track, we have to remember that it’s not the hishtadlus technique itself that is the cause for success but rather the accompanying bitachon.  HOWEVER: this is only on condition that we are making a hishtadlus that makes sense. It doesn’t have to be perfect but it does need to be reasonable.
 
This a very comforting thought.  For no longer do I have to feel anxious that my work, studies or healthcare are utilizing perfect methods.  For as long as I’m making a reasonable logical effort plus I have trust in God, then I can look forward to success.
 
You can look at it like a partnership.  Your contribution to the partnership is REASONABLE EFFORT while His contribution to the partnership is MAKING IT HAPPEN.
 
The benefit of this approach is that aside from the success itself, I have also brought God into my life along the way instead of being all alone.
 
It’s a little like a child riding a horse with his father sitting behind him holding on to the reigns too.  While the child is putting out his good effort to ride it straight and safely, it’s really his father who is guaranteeing the secure and successful ride.
 
So, as you climb the horse of life, be sure to ride it wisely but also allow God to climb on too and He will ensure you’ll reach your destination safe and sound.
 
Happy riding!