Now is always the best time

It was one year after the High Holiday prayers, and a Hasidic Rebbe from Poland, Rabbi Jacob Isaac Horowitz, known as The Seer of Lublin (1745-1815), told his students he knew precisely what each one asked for in their prayers, and the response given to them by Heaven.

One of the students challenged the Rabbi to tell him what his private prayers were.

Said the Holy man, “You requested from Heaven they provide all the finances necessary for the week at the beginning of the week, so you should not be burdened by worries and anxiety all week long, which stand in the way of your worship and service to God.”

The Rabbi continued, “You even went on to make a deal with God that you are prepared to decrease your expenses by two golden coins if the request were accepted.”

The student was humbled and impressed. “Wow, this is all very true. And what, may I ask, did they reply?”

Said the Rabbi, “As far as your readiness to accept two golden coins less a week, Heaven was amused. Is there any lack in the treasures of the King? In addition, regarding your gripe that your worries stand in the way of your service to God, what makes you so sure God is interested and would prefer your study of the Torah, your prayer, and your service to Him in peace and tranquility? Perhaps God has greater satisfaction from your study and prayers when they result from the effort and inner struggle you must make to concentrate, notwithstanding all the difficulties?”

Many of us make deals with God!

God can afford everything. If your intentions are sincere, do not worry about how God will provide. “There are many emissaries to God.” He has a million and one ways, and then one more, to accomplish whatever it is.

Many of us think and feel that different circumstances would make things better. The healthiest attitude is, “this too is for the good. Everything the Merciful one does right now, today, is for the good.”

It is true we must judge by our human senses and pray accordingly. This is a great mitzvah for us. Hope and optimism for a rosier future also play a very important role. However, when it comes down to it, everyone at this present moment has their most excellent opportunities in the now. We must not be so preoccupied with the future that we forget the excellent purpose God presents to us in the current moment.

Chapter 292  www.aspiritualsoulbook.com