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By Aharon Schmidt, Living Jewish

Question: When my kids ask if they can do something, my first thought is always worry—what if something goes wrong? When I have a good month at work, I think, “Great, but what about next month?” Even when I start something new, my positivity is overshadowed by that voice in my head that says, “I’m sure it won’t last.” I believe everything comes from Hashem, but why can’t I trust that things will turn out well? Why am I always worried, and how can I develop a more positive outlook?

Answer: Chassidus teaches us a profound distinction between Emunah (faith) and Bitachon (trust), two pillars of belief that address this struggle.

Emunah is the belief that everything comes from Hashem and is ultimately for the good, even if we don’t understand how. We have faith that if we could see things from Hashem’s perspective, we would see it is good. It’s like watching a complex surgery—while it may seem harsh or frightening, knowing its purpose is for the good changes our perspective.
This kind of belief offers comfort during hardship, allowing us to frame even the painful moments as part of a greater, benevolent plan.

Bitachon, however, takes faith a step further. It is the active trust that Hashem will reveal His goodness in a way we can see and experience as positive. Imagine a child who knows, with absolute certainty, that their parent will lovingly provide for them. That’s Bitachon.
It’s not passive; it’s an inner posture of confidence and serenity, rooted in the belief that Hashem is not only good in essence but will show that goodness openly and tangibly in our lives.

The Rebbe explains that Bitachon isn’t just a mindset; it’s a powerful tool. By trusting in Hashem’s revealed goodness, we create a vessel to draw that goodness into our lives.

This proactive trust doesn’t mean we assume everything will go exactly as we wish—it means we believe deeply that whatever unfolds will be visibly and unmistakably for the good.

So why is this trust so challenging? Often, it stems from a combination of factors, including deeply rooted personal experiences, perceptions of authority figures like parents and teachers, and even inborn traits.

Parents and teachers, as primary authority figures in a person’s life, play a significant role in shaping how we view Hashem. For some, past hardships, fears, or negative interactions with these figures can lead to a distorted perception of Hashem, fostering cycles of worry and doubt. On the other hand, loving and supportive parents or teachers who provide care, guidance, and trust can help cultivate a healthy and positive outlook on Hashem.

At the same time it is important to remember that most parents and educators do their best with the tools and understanding they have at the time. No upbringing is flawless, and even well-intentioned guidance can be misinterpreted through a child’s limited perspective. A parent’s firmness, for example, might be rooted in love and responsibility, yet a sensitive child may internalize it as rejection or unpredictability. Still, no two people experience the same moment the same way, and even siblings raised in the same home can develop vastly different emotional responses and beliefs.

Over time, these impressions can shape subconscious associations with how we view our relationship with our Creator—not necessarily because of wrongdoing, but because of how deeply human development intertwines with spiritual perception.

Additionally, inborn traits, such as a naturally anxious or skeptical disposition, can challenge the development of trust, while a naturally happy or optimistic outlook can positively influence how we perceive Hashem’s care and goodness. This reinforces the idea that developing Bitachon is not about assigning blame for where we are, but rather understanding the unique mix of temperament, experience, and learning that has shaped us—and recognizing that transformation is always possible.

These emotional and psychological patterns can become so ingrained that they feel like objective truths. Recognizing them as just that—patterns, not facts—is a key first step in transforming our mindset. And when we do so with compassion for ourselves and those who influenced us, we open the door not only to healing, but to a deeper, more authentic connection with Hashem.

What can you do to shift your mindset?

1. Learn and internalize foundational concepts:

To overcome our internal biases and align our perspective with the Torah’s teachings, it is essential to deepen our understanding of Hashem’s unity, Divine Providence, Emunah, and Bitachon. The teachings of Chassidus offer a wealth of profound insights to guide us. In addition, the Rebbe specifically recommended learning Shaar HaBitachon (The Gate of Trust) from the text Chovot HaLevavot (Duties of the Heart), as a foundational text on trust in Hashem.

Learning these ideas regularly—even a few lines a day—can gradually rewire the way we think, helping us instinctively respond with trust rather than fear. Discussing these concepts with a teacher or mentor can also help clarify and personalize them.

2. Dissolving negative patterns:

Our thoughts often arise from ingrained beliefs— “Things will go wrong,” “I’m not okay,” or “This won’t last.” As you fill your mind with Torah’s wisdom, you’ll find your outlook improving. Over time, those negative beliefs will begin to melt away, making space for a healthier, more optimistic mindset to flourish.

The teachings of Bitachon aren’t just intellectual concepts—they offer a completely different framework for interpreting life. As a person internalizes these ideas, their inner dialogue starts to shift on its own. Thoughts like, “This probably won’t last” are gradually replaced with, “Hashem has given me this good and it will continue.”

Chassidus emphasizes not just challenging negative thinking, but saturating the mind with truth. When the soul is illuminated by G-dly perspective, the darkness dissolves naturally. You don’t have to fight each thought—you just need to turn on the light.

Bitachon is a trust that doesn’t depend on outcomes, but on our relationship with Hashem – a belief that Hashem can and will provide. And, as you internalize and grow in Bitachon, you’ll discover a life filled with more clarity, peace, and revealed blessings.

Eventually, the lens through which you view your life can shift entirely—from fear of what might go wrong to eager anticipation of the good that is surely on its way.

Aharon Schmidt is the Editor of Living Jewish, a weekly Chabad publication; Shliach in Ramat Beit Shemesh Alef; and therapist specializing in marriage and individual counseling.

To receive Living Jewish, email: [email protected]

For more information about therapy services, visit: www.aharonschmidt.com

To receive periodic ideas on navigating marriage and personal growth, reach out to [email protected]

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