In this great country, taking a quick look at the dollar bill in your wallet can strengthen your resolve and calm your nerves. Even if that dollar bill is lonely, looking at it can remind you to relax; it’s all under control. Sometimes, when life gets hectic, we can forget. The dollar bill reminds us.
That’s right; I’m referring to the official motto of this country found on all US currency, “In G-d we trust.”
It’s quite interesting that the term that was decided upon is trust (rather than belief or faith). This is especially relevant when taking into account the teaching of the Ba’al Shem Tov of specific Divine Providence (Hashgacha pratit), that every detail in this world is purposeful and can teach us a valuable lesson in serving G-d.
Professing belief in G-d doesn’t necessarily translate into changing one’s actions. The Talmud tells of a thief, about to employ his unlawful skill of undetected entry into a private property, calls out to G-d for success in his endeavors. Obviously, this distinguished individual has failed to connect some dots… Trust, however, is neither an intellectual belief nor an emotional one. Trust in G-d means to base ones decisions on that trust. Trust in G-d means that we rely on G-d. We entrust all our affairs in His reliable hands and trust that He will do what is best for us. We trust He will help us fulfill our dreams and aspirations.
So, the next time your life seems to be spinning out of control, take out a dollar bill and remind yourself, “In G-d we trust,” – it will all be fine because it’s in G-d’s reliable hand.