7411 —מאבקים רוחניים, שמחה בעבודת ה', ובריאות

Shalom u'Vrachah!

I was saddened to learn that your health is not as it should be, and certainly a large part of this is due to nerves and thoughts, as well as a lack of serving Hashem specifically with joy. According to the ruling of the Rambam, as brought in Tur and Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim section 231 and elsewhere, serving Hashem applies in all your ways—eating, drinking, walking, etc.

I am surprised at you, for the main issue comes from faith in a state of smallness, or as our Sages say: "small believers," because proper faith compels one to say "lefum gamla shichna" (according to the camel is its load), meaning that the Holy One does not give a person work beyond his ability. Since having a healthy and whole body is one of the ways of Hashem, certainly the service does not diminish bodily health by itself.

When there are concealments and obstacles—and sometimes it seems, perhaps even truly so, that they are more than usual—it is already known as explained in Tanya that "reasons" (ta'amim) is plural because there are two types here and two kinds of satisfaction: whether in service without struggle or specifically through struggle. Even in battle one must go mit a freilechen marsh (with a joyful march), as is known from the talk of my father-in-law the Rebbe. And spiritual battle is like this too; it should not affect actual health even though it must touch you deeply.

May Hashem strengthen you so that with proper health you will be able to fulfill your mission—to spread the teachings of Chassidus and make for Him a dwelling place below even in that country by spreading the wellsprings outward.

Blessings, M. Schneersohn

Summary

The Rebbe teaches that spiritual challenges should be faced with joy and faith, assuring us that G‑d never gives us more than we can handle. Maintaining joy in Divine service supports both spiritual growth and physical health.