I did Hishtadlus and davening and I still don't have money

Question:

If many efforts plus continuous tefilah still don't equal money, and yet one still has to pay rent each month, (and hardly buys anything) and this is for years, how does one stay encouraged?

Answer:

Hello,

Your question in a way gives me encouragement. Although things are difficult for you, you are still encouraging yourself and looking for new ways to get encouraged. Terrific!

Here are a few ideas, of mindsets that we can think about, and the more we think about them, and concentrate on them, the more they will help.

1. Remembering that Hashem has your ultimate good in mind. He created you, and he knows your past, you present and your future needs, and He knows what is best for you. Better than any of us know. It is possible that for a person’s ultimate good, it is better for them not to have too much money. Money is a big nisayon. It causes people to get haughty, and to rely on their money. It causes people to get overly involved in the pleasures of this world, and causes them to forget why we are here. It is also possible that Hashem is saving your zechusim for a time and place that they will serve you a lot better then getting them right now. After all, He knows your future needs.
2. Another idea is to concentrate on all the myriad of good things that you have in life. You have eyes that work, ears that hear, your hands work, you can walk, you have a home, ( or at least a roof over your head), family. You have tasty food to eat. Stop for a second before eating and concentrate on appreciating the taste of the food you are eating, and thank Hashem for it. This makes each meal, even if it isn’t fancy, an exciting, pleasurable experience. Stop a second, and take a deep breath of air. Ahh… That feels good. Enjoy the feeling, and thank Hashem for it. Wiggle your toes in your shoes… isn’t is great that you have shoes.

After doing this, take out a pen and paper, and make a list of 50 things that you have that are positive in your life. Then read it over. After that make a second list of another 50 things that you have in life. After doing this, you should feel encouraged.

3. Think that having money, contrary to what our society promotes, is not the most important thing in life. It makes things convenient, but it is only one small part of our overall life. Our health, our family, friends, shalom bayis, children, peace of mind, a job, living a goal- oriented life, a life of mitzvos, are all more important than money. The fact that we have future, in Gan Eden, a future life that is worth so much more than, the amount of money that we now have. All of these things are more important than money, and if you have even some of them, you are fortunate. Try making a list of the important things in life, make a list of ten things and put them in order of priority. What number is having a lot of money?

I hope these ideas are helpful

Best wishes