Daily Chizuk #1036

One of the reasons that Hashem wants us to make a hishtadlut for our physical needs in this world is because of the spiritual elevation we are able to achieve as a result. A person is obligated to put in an effort and then believe whole heartedly that the results had nothing to do with his effort. The Chovot HaLevavot writes in the Shaar HaBitachon (perek 3) that all a person’s hishtadlut does is reveal what Hashem already decreed for him to have. And when a person worries or puts in too much effort, it is because he doesn’t fully believe that it is Hashem bringing the results. Therefore, each time we make an effort in something, it is a great opportunity for us to grow in emunah. We could feel calm that we have made a reasonable effort and then hold ourselves back from going overboard. And when the results do come, we can completely attribute them to Hashem and not our efforts. We are only obligated to do what we are capable of. And if we are limited in our capabilities, that just means Hashem will do more, but it does not mean that we shouldn’t try at all.
Hashem is in charge and the more we internalize this, the greater spiritual elevations we get.