The Yetzer Hara vs. Bitachon: A Battle of the Mind

How is it possible for someone with strong bitachon to commit an aveira?

This perplexing question underscores the astonishing power of the yetzer hara. The yetzer hara doesn’t fight fair—it chips away at our trust in Hashem, playing on our fears, desires, and weaknesses until we make decisions we later regret.

It’s no wonder Chazal liken succumbing to the yetzer hara to temporary insanity.

Take a moment to reflect on your own life. How many times have you cut davening or learning short because of the endless to-do list in your mind?

I’ve done it countless times, rationalizing that I “need” the extra time. Yet Hashem always proves me wrong—showing me that dedicating time to Him creates bracha in my day.

The Two-Minute Test: Fighting the Rush

A friend recently told me about a disturbing pattern at his minyan: people taking off their tallis and tefillin before davening officially ends. Whether it’s to grab a coffee or simply to beat the traffic, the rush to move on misses the point.

Hashem is in charge of time. If we skimp on those last two minutes, life has a way of taking them back—through delays, interruptions, or inefficiencies.

I used to be one of those people who fell into the yetzer hara’s trap, hearing the voice that said, “You’re so busy, what’s the big deal?”

To fight back, I’ve worked on removing myself from situations where I’m likely to stumble. For example, just like someone might avoid late-night snacking by keeping junk food out of the house, I’ve created safeguards in my daily routine. After davening, I stay in the same spot to learn shnayim mikra, recite Tehillim, and continue learning.

These small, intentional steps help me win the daily battle.

The Yetzer Hara’s Signature Move: Regret

The yetzer hara lures us with promises of immediate gratification, but the aftermath is where its true nature is revealed. Think about that late-night junk food binge. The anticipation feels so good, but afterward, we feel terrible.

That regret? That’s the real you—your neshama recognizing what just happened.

This pattern applies to spiritual shortcuts, too. When I cut corners in davening or learning, my day often feels disjointed. Tasks take longer, interruptions abound.

But when I take the time to connect with Hashem properly, everything flows. This isn’t a coincidence. It’s Hashem showing us that His way is the best way.

Trust and Rationalization: A Slippery Slope

Even people with strong bitachon can fall into the trap of rationalization. Maybe it’s justifying a “small” dishonesty on an expense report or compromising on a value.

The yetzer hara preys on our fears, whispering that our livelihood depends on cutting these corners. But true bitachon means knowing that Hashem is the ultimate provider.

Acting with integrity ensures that whatever we need will come to us, and cutting corners only invites setbacks from other areas of our lives.

The Chovos Halevavos explains that when we trust in anything besides Hashem, we become dependent on that thing and its weaknesses. But when we trust only in Hashem, we are protected from those flaws and can live with real peace of mind.

Ein Od Milvado: Seeing Hashem Everywhere

Our modern world often pushes Hashem out of the picture, attributing everything to “science” or “chance.” But bitachon means recognizing that Hashem is behind every cause and effect.

The world may look like a Rube Goldberg machine—complex and seemingly random—but every chain reaction starts with the Master Planner.

Avraham Avinu lived this truth. The world called him crazy for rejecting idols, for following Hashem’s commands that defied logic, like sacrificing Yitzchak. Yet Avraham’s trust transformed him into a trailblazer of emuna.

We, too, are tasked with breaking through society’s falsehoods and seeing the world through the lens of Torah.

Climbing the Down Escalator: The Growth Process

Growth in bitachon is like going up a down escalator. The moment we stop pushing ourselves forward, we start sliding back. The yetzer hara thrives in moments of complacency, planting seeds of doubt and distraction.

But Hashem doesn’t expect perfection overnight.

Growth is a journey—a series of small, consistent steps. Sometimes we take one step back to move two steps forward. Like a heart monitor, the ups and downs signify life. Flatlining is the true danger.

Practical Steps to Strengthen Bitachon

1. Recognize the Yetzer Hara: Learn to identify its voice. It’s the one urging shortcuts or sowing doubt. The more it challenges you, the more significant your growth potential.
2. Remove Temptations: Don’t put yourself in situations where you’re likely to fail. Whether it’s junk food or rushing through davening, build safeguards into your routine.
3. Do a Cheshbon Hanefesh: Regularly reflect on where you’re at spiritually and where you need to grow. Set realistic, actionable goals.
4. Lean on Hashem: Remember that Hashem wants to help you down the path you choose. Choose wisely, and you’ll see His guidance every step of the way.
5. Celebrate Small Wins: Growth is a marathon, not a sprint. Every small victory over the yetzer hara is a step closer to living your best life.

Trust the Process

The yetzer hara is relentless, but it’s also a sign that you’re doing something right. The harder it fights, the closer you are to something meaningful.

Remember, Hashem doesn’t expect perfection—He expects effort. Keep climbing, keep trusting, and know that every step brings you closer to living the dream.

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If this message resonated with you, please pass it along to a friend, family member, or someone who could use a bit of encouragement in their journey. Together, we can help more people grow in bitachon and live with greater trust in Hashem.

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