הסתר פנים

There is a concept alluded to in פרשת וילך called הסתר פנים. It refers to the idea that there are times when it seems that Hashem is hiding His face. It becomes difficult to see Hashem’s Presence and we feel somewhat alone. In the Parsha, Hashem warns that if the people turn away from Hashem, He will hide His face. ( אנוכי הסתר אסתיר ). The Netivot Shalom claims that at some point in every person’s life, he feels that sense of הסתר פנים. He may be going through a difficult time due to financial problems, or the sickness of a loved one. The Torah is teaching us that it only “seems” as though Hashem is far away, but He is not. He is waiting for us to reach out to Him and He will be there to help us through these troubled times. It is like the story of the son who complains to his father that the father wasn’t there when he was needed the most. He says that when they walked together, there were always two sets of footprints. Now there was only one set, proving this alleged abandonment. The father tells the son that the reason for one set of footprints is that he carried the son during those times. That’s why only one set of footprints! We must never feel alone and abandoned. Hashem is there for all who call out to Him in truth.