D'var Torah: "You will return to HaShem, your G-d" (Devarim 30:2). When a person brings a bright light into a dark room, it totally dispels the darkness. So too, the powerful light of repentance completely dispels the darkness of the sin. The knowledge of the effectiveness of Teshuvah is the foundation of successful repentance. King David also referred to this wonder: "Restore to me the joy of Your deliverance, and with a generous spirit, support me" (Tehillim 51:14). King David reveals that the first step to repentance is to ask HaShem to fill our hearts with "the joy of Your deliverance." We pray to HaShem for vibrant faith, to overcome the feelings of sadness and worry that are associated with dealing with our flaws and mistakes. After strengthening ourselves with a full dose of HaShem's joyful deliverance, we have hope and confidence to succeed in the holy process of repentance.
Moral: The key to our fruitful repentance is our awareness that HaShem will accept our effort to return to Him with His infinite compassionate.
Application: Envision King David begin his repentance by praying, "Restore to me the joy of Your deliverance, and with a generous spirit, support me." See how he strengthens his faith in HaShem's deliverance. Perceive his heart filled with joy upon realizing the compassion of HaShem. Follow King David's formula for repentance by first praying to HaShem for strength and happiness. Be inspired to perform repentance with love and delight.
(Based on the commentary of the RaMad Vali and the Ba'al Shem Tov)
