Do you ever feel like G-d is hiding from you? I know I do. Life can be challenging sometimes, and we can quickly feel abandoned in those moments. The truth is Hashem is always present with us, supporting and guiding us even when we don't feel it.
This idea is clearly highlighted in this week's torah portion, Mikeitz. There, we learn about Joseph's rise to power and the famine he predicted coming across Egypt and Israel. His brothers were compelled to come down for food to save their family from starvation. Joseph concealed his identity from them and concocted a plot where they were accused of being spies. The brothers must have felt helpless at that moment, trying to secure food for their families, and had no recourse forward. However, we know the truth: Joseph was conducting this charade so that they could grow from their past mistakes and move forward free of guilt and sin. Once they took ownership of their choices, Joseph revealed who he was and ensured he would take care of them.
We are no different; when it seems that G-d has concealed himself from us, it is only for us to learn and grow. When we look inward instead of outward, we can find the light that may have been flickering inside of us, waiting to be fully kindled. That is the power of darkness; it compels us to find our flame and ignite it.
As you light your Menorah this evening, remember that your soul is a candle waiting to be ignited. The darkness you may face in your life, the darkness we all face, is nothing more than G-d's way of telling us to illuminate! Reveal your divine energy and light up the world!