WATCH Rabbi Yosef Farhi: My Journey to Trusting God’s GPS

As I sat down to share my thoughts in a recent talk, I found myself reflecting on a core belief that has shaped my understanding of life through a Jewish lens: everything that happens is from God, and it’s all for the best. This idea, rooted in the daily prayers we recite and verses like “God is good to all” and “You are ruling over everything,” challenges me to see every moment, good or bad, as part of a divine plan.

Here’s how this perspective, inspired by Jewish teachings and the timeless wisdom of King David, has helped me find peace amid life’s unexpected twists and turns.

Riding in God’s Cab

I often think of life as a cab ride. God is the driver, and I’m the passenger, sometimes frustrated by the detours He takes. I’ll admit, there are moments when I’m convinced I know the fastest route to my destination. But the truth is, God’s GPS is far wiser than mine.It’s not always easy to hold onto this belief. When challenges hit, I catch myself questioning why things aren’t going as planned. Yet, Judaism teaches that every experience has a purpose, even if I can’t see it in the moment. This trust in God’s plan is what keeps me grounded, no matter how bumpy the ride gets.

The Hardest Mitzvah: Blessing God in Every Moment

During a recent class, a friend shared that he believes the hardest mitzvah (commandment) to keep is judging others favorably. I couldn’t help but disagree. For me, the greatest challenge is to love and bless God no matter what I’m going through. The teaching to “thank God very, very much” in every situation, good or bad, has been a game-changer.

It’s one thing to praise God when life is smooth, but to bless Him in the midst of pain? That’s where faith is truly tested.

I’ve come to realize that judging others favorably is deeply connected to judging God favorably. When bad things happen, it’s tempting to think God has lost His way. But what if those hardships are actually the best thing for me? This shift in perspective has helped me see challenges as hidden opportunities, even when they’re disguised as setbacks.

Finding Calm in the Unknown

As I look ahead to each new day, I remind myself that most of what I fear never comes to pass. Studies suggest that about 80% of our worries don’t materialize. Instead, life often surprises me with events I never saw coming, because God’s GPS operates on a different map. Embracing the idea that good can be hidden in what seems bad has brought me a sense of calm, no matter what I’m facing.

I recently read about a woman in Dale Carnegie’s book Stop Worrying and Start Living who struggled with sleeplessness. She found peace by reading Psalm 23, “A Song of David,” before bed. The words, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack,” calmed her mind and helped her rest. This resonated with me because it’s a reminder that even in the darkest moments, God is guiding me.

King David’s Faith in the Valley of Death

What struck me most about Psalm 23 is the context in which King David wrote it. He penned these words after a devastating tragedy: nearly his entire family, his parents and most of his brothers, were killed, and he felt responsible. David had placed his family under the protection of the king of Moab, believing they’d be safe because his grandmother, Ruth, hailed from there. Instead, the king betrayed him and slaughtered his family.

In that moment of unimaginable loss, David declared, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not lack. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” If David could find faith in such a calamity, how can I not trust God through my own struggles? His words inspire me to see beyond the pain and believe that God is with me, guiding me toward something greater.

Living with Trust

This journey of faith has taught me to approach life with a calmer heart. By trusting that God’s plan is always for my good, I’ve learned to let go of the need to control every outcome. Whether I’m facing a small inconvenience or a major challenge, I remind myself that I’m in God’s cab, and He knows the way.

As I move forward, I carry David’s words with me: “I will fear no evil, for You are with me.” They’re a reminder that even in life’s darkest valleys, there’s a divine purpose at work. And that’s a belief worth holding onto, no matter where the road leads.