[Avodah] Two Levels of Bitachon

[Prof. Levine via Avodah]

The following is from Rav Schwab on Chumash Parshas Shelach.

We suggest the following explanation: Hashem demands bitachon of 
every Jew - trust
in Hashem that everything will turn out for the best, without worrying about
what the future might bring. Throughout the generations, devout Jews 
have walked
this path. A person with bitachon ultimately will merit to see 
clearly that, indeed,
"All that Hashem does is for the best."

There are two types of bitachon. The first is trusting in Hashem with "closed
eyes," with no speculation about what may develop. However, there is 
a second kind
of bitachon that is even greater than the first. This is the bitachon 
of "open eyes."
One who follows this path looks ahead and sees clearly that the 
future might entail
great danger, that his life may be full of trials and tribulations. 
Nevertheless, he
does not hesitate, relying on Hashem to help him deal with whatever 
the future will
hold. This kind of bitachon is greater than the first, because 
someone who trusts in
:Hashem with "open eyes" must elevate his bitachon to a much higher 
level in order
to overcome his worries and quiet his concerns.

However, as great as this second path is, it is fraught with danger. There is a
strong possibility that instead of overcoming one's fears and worries, one will
be vanquished by them. A "realistic" evaluation of the challenges could be so
frightening as to cause one to lose his bitachon in Hashem 
altogether. Therefore,
:although the bitachon of "open eyes" might be appropriate for 
certain great people,
Hashem does not demand it of us. Hashem only requires us to have the bitachon
of "closed eyes"; we need only trust that everything will turn out 
for the best, in
accordance with His will, without considering what the future might 
hold. This is
implied in the pasuk (Yeshayahu 12:2), 11) Behold the G-d of
salvation; I shall trust in Him, and I will not fear.
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