There is a story told about Reb Yisroel Salanter, one of the great Torah leaders in Europe and the leader of the Mussar Movement, which clearly conveys the message that if one has total Bitachon in Hashem, then he will be granted all of his desires, provided that the Bitachon is completely firm, without any trace of insecurity.
Reb Yisroel advised a man who approached him to buy a lottery ticket and to have full Bitachon that he will win the full sum, and then he assured him that if he does so, he will definitely win. The days and weeks passed and the man did not win the money. He went to Reb Yisroel to find out what had happened to his guarantee. At that point, Reb Yisroel offered him half of the sum for the lottery ticket, to which he happily agreed to the deal. Reb Yisroel then explained to him that his readiness to sell the ticket for less than the full amount was a clear indication that there was obviously some amount of trust that was lacking, and this lack of total trust was responsible for his not winning.
Reb Yisroel Salanter expounds that by studying the laws of any specific area of observance, whether in Halacha or Mussar, the person will enhance his observance of them. Therefore, by studying the Halachos and the words of Chazal, which deal with the concept of Bitachon, he will thereby enhance his confidence and trust in Hashem.
Other parts to this series: Inspiration in Bitachon
