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Quote of the Day: The Ultimate Religious Emotion
In Judaism joy is the supreme religious emotion. Here we are, in a world filled with beauty. Every breath we breathe is the spirit of G-d within us. Around us is the love that moves the sun and all the stars. We are here because someone wanted us to be. The soul that celebrates, sings. –Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks
The word for joy in Hebrew is simcha. And that word has many other positive meanings, too. Jews are even commanded to rejoice on one particular holiday, Sukkot, where we celebrate with others. A person could ask, what if you don’t feel joy on that particular day? What if life isn’t going well and you can’t imagine a way out of your misery? Still, G-d calls to us to find joy, even in the difficult times; for one, it is a way for us to reach out to, and stay connected to the world.
If we go beyond Sukkot, however, there are many ways of pursuing and finding joy in our lives. Sometimes our souls call out for relief from the difficulties around us. Although joy may not seem possible in one moment, we can take steps to lead us toward joyful experiences: we can go for a walk, or call up a dear friend; we can read a funny book or watch a funny movie; we can water our flowers or bake cookies. There are many opportunities to bring joy into our lives, and into the lives of others, even if we don’t necessarily feel like it. Just making the effort to find joy puts us in a better state of mind. Once we take that first step, fulfilling our aim to experience joy turns our world around.
We may suddenly realize how transient a bad mood can be. We may feel lighter as the heavy load of sadness falls off our shoulders. We can then open up the space around us, feeling less insular and more generous.
But we must take the necessary steps to bring joy into our lives. We must create the conditions that will reap joy and spread it in our world.
There is no doubt in my mind that G-d wants us to be happy; I believe that must bring Him great joy!
[photo courtesy of unsplash.com]
Published in Group Writing
One of the many reasons I love Judaism. “We are here because someone wanted us to be.” That’s a great quote.
It’s true for us all, whether we know it or not.
Spending a week expressly remembering it is a great idea. I’m glad He had it.
Yes!
It’s so helpful for me to remember this, MG! I do believe G-d intercedes in our lives, such as giving us the strength to deal with difficulties. But we have to act on His lead and do what we can to make life better!
I think so too, Doug. We are not randomly thrown into the world, but we have a purpose, and He’s counting on us.
Rejoice!
Amen!
Previously, external factors influenced me towards negative emotions. But I knew that our behavior shapes our attitudes to some extent. I decided that rather than being (and acting like) an unhappy person, I would fake it ’til you make it. I made a choice. It has helped me achieve a significantly improved state of mind.
I used to hate long solo drives. My mind would rehash old grievances and regrets; it was unpleasant. So, I distracted myself with podcasts (which brought me to Ricochet.com). Nowadays I don’t need the distraction and my thoughts are rarely negative.
Excellent! There is scientific proof that when we change our behavior, our attitudes can follow (unless we are absolutely determined to be miserable in spite of the good in our lives)! I’m much more positive than I used to be, and that seems to grow over time.
I have sometimes thought thankfulness is the ultimate religious emotion. But I doubt that I have thought about it as carefully as these people have.
Or you might say that we experience joy when we are thankful. Or maybe it’s the other way around…?
“Rejoice in the Lord alway, and again, I say, rejoice!”
We played a recording of that at our wedding.
That was lovely, Hartmann. Thank you.
Beautiful post and quote. So needed in today’s world – a daily reminder. Thank you!
And I thank you for your sweet feedback, FSC. It is so gratifying!
Today is a great challenge for me. My arthritis has gotten increasingly worse, and in spite of Extra Strength Tylenol, I can barely use my hands when I first get going in the morning. I see my doctor this afternoon, but I’m having difficulty opening up to the joy in my life. It’s like the darkness is pretty persistent, so I’m determined to remember all that I’m grateful for–especially being alive! And then there was the gentle early morning rain (after my morning walk), the sweet silence as I look out my window, and just the opportunity to share on this post. It will all be good.
The first Q & A in the Westminster Shorter Catechism:
Q. 1. What is the chief end of man?
A. Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy him for ever.
Sounds like joy to me.
The root of rejoice! is joy, too.
You reminded me of the old Baltimore catechism for Catholics. It has the same question and answer approach.