Good morning ❤️
Nowhere does the Torah expressly forbid sadness and depression, yet this is the most virulent of sins, for it stifles the heart and mind, closing them to the service of Hashem.
Joy is not an express mitzvah but is the greatest of mitzvot, for it opens a person’s heart and mind, enabling him to perform all the mitzvot and to make a mitzvah of everything.
According to certain Hasidic masters, the notion prevails that if Hashem had solely sought love or the study of Torah, He could have simply created millions of angels devoted to adoring Him and engaging in uninterrupted study. However, as there is no challenge in this effortless devotion, it doesn't align with Hashem desires.
What I have learned through my experiences, is that every challenge has strengthened my soul, and believe in Hashem.
Whenever Hashem has presented significant challenges in my life, I've dedicated myself to drawing closer to Him. If life were easy and without obstacles, there wouldn't be any motivation for personal growth or effort, it might even feel monotonous.
During challenging periods, it's immensely difficult to perceive positivity and maintain happiness. Your thoughts may veer towards negativity, leading to feelings of sadness and depression.
However, by consciously expressing gratitude to Hashem for what I'm going through, even when the reasons aren't clear at the moment, I believe that eventually, understanding will come. Acknowledging that He loves me despite the challenges helps me navigate through these difficult times.
Depression and sadness hinder personal progress; they restrain you, leaving a void in life and clouding your judgment, leading to poor decisions and pushing people away.
One of my children faced significant struggles following the challenges brought by Covid. Despite trying various professionals such as psychologists, social workers, and life coaches, the turning point came when I decided to enroll him in Torah learning. This decision significantly transformed him, allowing him to comprehend the significance of Hashem and His commandments. It was a pivotal shift, transforming him from a discontented individual to someone much happier and fulfilled.
What I've discovered is that the closer you draw to Hashem, the more positive transformations occur in your life. It's not an instant achievement; rather, it's a gradual process. If you genuinely desire it, you can surely accomplish it. Take it step by step, progressing a little more each day, and gradually, you'll witness the emergence of a renewed and improved version of yourself.
If we establish that it's a Mitzvah to be happy, theoretically, it should be among the simplest mitzvahs to fulfill every day in service of Hashem.
Let’s be closer to Hashem.
Wish you a wonderful day 💗