Structure ( סדר ): The Torah with its central underlying theme being Klal Yisroel’s striving for קרבת אלוקים , intimacy with Hashem, puts much emphasis on structure. An important part of Matan Torah was the organized arrangement for standing around Har Sinai. Korbanos in the Mishkon were all performed with a very organized system. The manner in which Klal Yisroel travelled through the desert and set up camp also displayed a definite structure. Imagine for a moment meriting an experience in the Beis Hamikdash. Amongst the host of things we would encounter, we would no doubt be astonished at the phenomenal orderliness and organization.
Again and again we see how structure is a foundation in our striving towards intimacy with Hashem.
Structure is not a luxury - it is an essential component in any plan of growth.
It is a vital weapon in our fight against the yeitzer hora and enables us to emerge triumphant even after losing many battles. Those armed with a program to finish a certain mesechta, to complete Chumash-Rashi every week, or even to learn two Halachos of Chofetz Chaim daily, etc., will be witness to this great advantage.
A structured growth plan in tefillah, be it time, place, or extra kavana at certain parts, also has great benefits. Remember that Yiddishkeit was not tailored only for people without weaknesses; it is the program that will save us despite our weaknesses.
Hold onto structure and eventually you will win.
שבע יפול צדיק וקם , The Tzadik falls seven times and yet he rises (Mishlei 24:16):This is the lifeline of a person who stays focused, even in the face of adversity. Regardless of any past mistakes, he persistently carries on. This puts him in a superior category, even when his present madraiga is perhaps unsatisfactory.
The original path of life you chose was and remains correct, but the yeitzer hora’s ultimate goal is to cause you to detour. Don’t let him. View yourself as a budding Talmid Chochom and an up-and-coming Marbitz Torah, momentarily going through difficult challenges.
Who knows if feelings of sluggishness and negativity are not the slyest trick of our common enemy to accomplish his skewed goal?