Daily Chizuk #0561

We have heard stories of people who have gone through prolonged troubles and then, after realizing they had hurt someone in the past who had a grudge against them, they went and sincerely apologized and were forgiven by that other party. Suddenly, the trouble ended. Usually the message taken from those stories is how important it is not to have anyone upset at us so we shouldn’t have to encounter problems as a result. In truth, however, there is another more important message to be taken. The main blessing in those stories is that Hashem helped the person figure out that he wronged someone and enabled him to get forgiveness for it. That is the main benefit. The relief from the trouble is the side benefit.
Knowing the severity of hurting someone else and not getting forgiven, Yerachmiel was doubly happy. Number one, he gained forgiveness and, number two, his trouble had ended. The main benefit here was that Hashem led him to get atonement. Hashem can help everyone get forgiveness and we can always access His help by asking Him for it.