In this week’s Torah portion, Jacob flees from his murderous and wicked brother, Esau, and runs to his mother’s brother, Lavan, to find a wife. However, Lavan’s home is not necessarily a safe haven as Lavan is known for being wicked as well. Jacob’s life is in danger and he is understandably frightened.

Later, he sleeps at Mount Moriah and has a dream where God tells him, “Behold, I am with you; I will guard you wherever you go, and I will return you to this soil; for I will not forsake you until I will have done what I have spoken about you” (28:15). Jacob wakes up, recognizes how holy this place is, sets up a pillar, and takes a vow to God to tithe whatever God will give him.

Interestingly, the next verse says that “Jacob lifted his feet, and went toward the land of the easterners.” The Torah uses this interesting phrase of “lifted his feet” to tell us that Jacob went towards Lavan’s home. Nothing in the Torah is arbitrary or extra. The Torah could have simply said that “Jacob went”; what is the deeper meaning of the phrase “lifted his feet”?

Lesson:

When we think of someone who is excited about something, we think of them skipping off to do the task at hand. When kids hear there is candy – no one is walking slowly! They’re not dragging their feet but rather running and skipping. What changed from Jacob being frightened to being excited so much that he is practically running now to Lavan’s home?

Rashi, a famous Torah commentary, tells us that “at the good tidings of the prophecy assuring him of God’s protection, his heart lifted his feet and he felt very light as he continued on his way.” After hearing that God is with Jacob and going help him and protect him, the fear that was once weighing Jacob down dissipated and was replaced with confidence and excitement.

We all have things that weigh us down: worries, fear, anxiety, different situations, etc. What if, however, just like Jacob, God came to us and told us, “I am with you, my dear child. I know you’re scared about this, but I’m here with you. I’m going to protect you and your family and will never forsake you. I will return you in good health and condition and you have nothing to fear.” How would we see the situation differently? How would we react toward the situation? Would more of your days be spent “lifting your feet” at what we have in front of us if you knew that God is with you and you’re going to be successful?

Fortunately, God does tell us that He is always with us, always loves us no matter what, and always wants the very best for us. When we find ourselves in situations where we are dragging our feet, we can infuse some confidence and faith in God in our hearts, knowing that God is here with us, just like with Jacob, which will in turn cause our hearts to lift our feet with confidence, joy, and happiness.

Exercise: When we find ourselves in a situation where we are dragging our feet, infuse some confidence and faith in God in our hearts. Hear God telling you that He is with you and you will be successful!