The Power of Thought, Part 2

Likutei Halachos, Birkhas HaShachar 5:78, abridged

[Reb Noson writes:] The Rebbe taught that the faculty of thought is extremely powerful (cf. Likutei Moharan II, 53). He remarked that this subject touches upon many hidden matters. Even what we heard and understood would be impossible to fully explain - how much more so that which the Rebbe did not reveal, but to which he alluded indirectly.

However, we can explain a little of this. For example, when you wish to travel somewhere in order to accomplish some holy purpose - such as to travel to the Land of Israel, or to a true Tzaddik, in order to learn the ways of Divine service and hear his Torah teachings - you will be confronted with many formidable obstacles, all in accordance with the nature of your enterprise.

The harder you try to overcome these obstacles, the harder the opposition you encounter typically will be. Similarly, the more desirable and worthy your goal, the more difficult it will be to reach, until it may seem altogether unattainable (cf. Likutei Moharan I, 6:6). This is especially true of such a momentous undertaking as traveling to the Land of Israel.[5] You may find yourself with no money for travel expenses, and there are many dangers that you must face, particularly in times of war, G-d forbid. Many people have given up for such reasons.                

You must set your heart on your goal, muster all your will power, and refuse to give up. You must long and yearn constantly to go there, and express your desires verbally before G-d. Then G-d will perform miracles for you, leading you according to the wondrous ways of Divine Providence that transcend the laws of nature, until finally you arrive at your destination.

G-d may not perform open miracles for you, as He did with the prophets Eliyahu and Elisha, or the Talmudic sage, Rabbi Pinchas Ben Ya'ir, all of whom could split the waters of rivers with their garments, etc. Nevertheless, if you contemplate the chains of cause and effect that G-d sets into motion on your behalf through His wondrous Providence until you reach your destination, you will see miracles almost as great. Indeed, miracles such as splitting the sea were only momentary, whereas the miracles of Divine Providence take place constantly, every hour and every day.

 

Translated by David Sears © 2001 The Breslov Center