BS’D
The way we think may cause a misfortune to arise. Although fear is a product of our imagination, since that which we fear hasn’t occurred and actually may not, Rabbi Yehonatan Eibeschitz ztk’l in his sefer Ya’arot Devash teaches that once we experience a fear it enters into the realm of reality and can fulfill itself at any moment. We actualize the possibility of danger by contemplating it.
Additionally our bodies will experience the same physical symptoms as though we were living out the fear right then and there. Our bodies do not differentiate between imaginary thoughts and truthful reality; both trigger a response appropriate to protect the body from the threat. Unquestionably this exhausts the body to no end, hindering the ability to think properly and correctly distinguish between reality and imagination.
What’s the solution? Work on building emuna. Emuna shields us from harm’s way in all respects as it creates a tightrope that links us to the source of all security and truthfulness. Certainly we are required to take ‘normal’ precautionary measures to remain safe, however knowing that Hashem’s presence is always here and now with us is the only way to steer clear from fear.
Furthermore, living with emuna shleimah evokes Hashem’s rachamim, shielding us further from harm. Rabbi Chaim m’Volozhin ztk’l brings down an amazing segula which serves as a protective shield against danger; simply recite the three powerful words, “Ein Od Milvado (There is none other than Him {Hashem})” and you will be lifted from the illusion that there is any other force other than Hashem.
