Today’s learning is dedicated to the refuah sheleima of Simcha Nosson ben Zissel.

Fear leads to mistakes.   —   Sefer HaMidos, Fear # 2

Fear saps a person’s strength.   —   Sefer HaMidos, Fear # 8

Worry and fear clog the heart.   —   Sefer HaMidos, Fear # 31

Trust in G-d and you will be saved from fear.   —   Sefer HaMidos, Fear # 3

And know! A person must cross a very, very narrow bridge. The main rule is: Do not be frightened at all!   —   Likutey Moharan II, 48:2

Rebbe Nachman teaches that fear and anxiety can affect a person, both physically and emotionally. The evil inclination understands the crippling effect, and therefore places these ideas and thoughts at the forefront of our mind.

At times, the evil inclination can convince us to fixate on minor worries; he makes the insignificant seem insurmountable.

Rebbe Nachman compares this to a small coin held directly in front of the eye. At first, it can block the view of an entire mountain, but when we take a step back, we see that it is truly minuscule.

Rebbe Nachman teaches that if we only knew our true strength, we would pay no attention to these worrisome thoughts. 

But as we see throughout the Torah, there are times when the fear itself can create a frightening reality.

Before the Jews went out to war, the soldiers were asked if any of them were afraid. If a soldier was indeed fearful, they were instructed to return home. This was not a punishment; this was protecting them from any harm. As the Maharal explains, the fear itself would have led to their downfall on the battlefield.

Similarly, we see that Hashem warned Yirmiyah, “Do not be frightened of them, lest it cause you to be broken before them.” The fear would have caused his defeat.

The verse in Iyov states, “What I feared will come upon me.” The commentators explain that fear is a self-fulfilling prophecy.

Rebbe Nachman teaches that fear and anxiety cloud our vision. We become incapable of thinking calmly and collected. This lack of clarity leads to mistakes.

The Maharal offers a very practical example displaying how fear can weaken us and increase the likelihood of failure. Suppose there is a thick tree branch lying on the floor. Most people would be able to walk across the branch with ease. Now, say that branch was lifted four or five feet off the ground. Less people would successfully cross. Take that branch and raise it forty or fifty feet in the air. Very few people would even dare to attempt such a challenge. Absolutely nothing has physically changed with the branch, but as the level of risk increases, so does the chance of failure. The fear compromises our capabilities. The fear causes us to fall.

As we mentioned, certain fears are natural. And in truth, life is filled with endless reasons for concern. But what really matters, is how we react when faced with these justified stresses and anxieties.

We live in world filled with uncertainties. But there is a reason for that…

Rebbe Nachman teaches that Hashem sends us these worries and concerns as opportunities. It is a chance to sincerely turn to Hashem for help. Hashem’s greatest pleasure comes when those in need rely on Him for relief.

The evil inclination wants us to quiver in fear; he wants the doubts to consume us, leaving us debilitated. But as Rebbe Nachman teaches, we are stronger than him. We can elevate that fear and build a deeper bond and connection to Hashem.

Through faith we can be courageous. And with trust in Hashem, we can conquer all fears.

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