thetimeisnow! wrote on 09 Apr 2021 13:58:
It totally is worth the effort
My YH knocked on the door yesterday and I had an absolutely huge urge. However, I reminded myself that Hashem would be watching me if I sinned, and that was very embarrassing to think about, so I ultimately was able to make it through.
This is very inspiring. Classic example of true Yiras Shamayim.
Some people claim that they are powerless to stay clean (I'm not trying to tear down the concept of powerless in the 12 step program) but if a person would stand right near them they wouldn't sin then...
Imagine hidden cameras monitoring your progress through life. The whole world is watching. People cheer when you succeed and boo when you fail.
With all those people staring, won't you be careful with every move? Won't your motivation to succeed increase tremendously?
Walk with a constant awareness of Hashem. Fear of Hashem gives you full freedom. Nothing will stand in your way. The dog is insignificant compared to fear of Hashem. You just push right ahead. You're free from all other fears. You have turned yourself into a pure conduit for the will of Hashem.
The Talmud says: "Everything is in the hands of heaven – except for fear of God." Fear of God is completely up to us. If you want it, you've got it.
But there's a question on this point. In our daily prayers we say, vi'ti'tain lanu chaim she'yesh bahem yirat shamayim v'yirat chet. We specifically ask the Almighty to give us "fear of God." But if "fear of God" is in our hands, why do we ask God to give it?
The answer is that everything, of course, depends on the Almighty. We can't lift a finger without God. With most things, you can yearn deeply and still not attain it. You can desire to be a millionaire so badly that you work 80 hours a week and stand on your head – and you can still die a pauper.
But fear of God is different. It's the only thing that, "if you really want it, you've got it." With everything else, God may evaluate that your request is not good for you. But fear of God is the one thing the Almighty won't withhold if you truly desire it, because it's the one thing that always brings you into reality. It's always good for you.
If you really want it, it's yours.