The Self Help Movement

We know that everything in the bible is precise to the letter, everything has a purpose, and nothing is superfluous.

When looking at the book of exodus, we see what seems like so much repetition regarding the building of the tabernacle, “what’s the story?”

So much time and space is spent on the tabernacle, where G-d would be served, because it represents the purpose why G-d created the world. According to the books of mysticism, the great goal in life, is to take all that we are and all that we have, and make it a dwelling place for G-d. A place where G-d would be comfortable to be there. How do we know where G-d is comfortable to dwell? Well, this is a key question with a most important answer.

This is the explanation to the long winded description regarding the building of this meeting house. The bible first tells us G-ds instructions, what is necessary for the building of this abode for him. Incidentally, once G-d did descend unto this special meeting place, everything in this compound was connected to super natural miracles. The place of the ark took up no space, the fire on the altar always went straight up to heaven, and much more. When G-d is there, everything becomes possible, and the rules of nature don’t apply anymore.

Next, after the commandments from G-d, we have the effort and action on the part of man to follow through with those instructions. Then we have the finale – “and the cloud (Divine presence) covered the meeting tent, and the honor of G-d filled the Tabernacle”.

So we have three distinct steps when connecting with G-d.

First, the command must come from G-d. As much as a person meditates, screams or does whatever, it is impossible for a mere finite human being to reach the infinite. It must be initiated by G-d, who for reasons only he knows, decided to take note of the actions of a human being. We must look out for what G-d wants us to do in order to be connected to his blessings.

Step number two is obviously following through with those requests. When G-d asks us to do something, this means he knows, we have the capability to carry out the request, and, it’s for our own good. Fulfilling G-d commandments is our only way we can be connected with the source of all life.

Step number three is not always guaranteed by our timetable. This, is when G-d reacts to our action, actually responds, and gives back in return as he has promised.

The idea that people on their own have the ability to do anything just because, is ludicrous. Human beings are limited and have very little control over their environment. Just look at what’s going on in the world today. People are fired, gas prices go up, and it’s a real problem. How about the people born with faulty genes, with crazy parents, in countries where there is no freedom, and on, and on.

When you are given lemons learn to make lemon margaritas. What happens when all you have is a lemon? The only way to happiness, blessings and truly infinite possibilities, is discovering what G-d wants from you. There, is where you find meaning, purpose, and a relationship with the infinite G-d which brings all sorts of goodness and blessings!