The paragraph right after Borchu in our Shachris prayers (pg 84 in the Artscroll Siddur) states: "Boruch Atah Hashem Elokanu Melech HaOlam Yozar Oar U'Vora Choshech, Oseh Shalom U'Vora Es HaKol - Blessed are You, Hashem, our G-d, King of the Universe, Who forms light and creates Darkness, makes peace and creates all."
What a profound concept, to realize that the Ribbono Shel Olam, the One who is all Good, is also the Creator of Darkness. No other religion views Darkness or the Yetzer Hara this way, only the Torah view tells us that there is a Positive and G-dly purpose to Darkness.
In our call yesterday, we discussed how it is through our performance of mitzvot, and in particular those mitzvot that are at our point of Bechira (where we actually have to struggle to perform them) that we reveal His light into the World!! (see this great article for more about our "point of Bechira" from the renowned therapist, Dr.Sorotzkin).
It is precisely at THIS POINT that we are at in our quest for freedom from lust, that should be a point of encouragement, not shame or fear - as we work the 12 Steps.
Even more, please see Bava Basra to see something that blew my mind away, on Daf 16 Amud Aleph middle of the page (16a2 in Artscroll) where we learn from R. Levi that both the Satan - who persecuted Iyov, and Peninah who persecuted Chana (in the story of Shmuel Hanavi's birth), in both cases, their motives were - and I quote -"Lishaim Shamayim".
So we clearly see that even "Satan" - is rooting for us!! He doesn't want us to stumble and fall. He wants us to pass His tests!! Much like a personal trainer who loads the barbells with more weight when we are working out, as we get stronger. Amazing, isn't it?!
So, let's all begin to alter our perception and our response to life and the struggles we are blessed to have. And let's bring tons of light to the world!
Looking FORWARD to our next Call,
Duvid Chaim