REJOICE? by Raphael ben Levi
It is easy to become discouraged when faced with seemingly endless problems and profound challenges. How can we possibly embrace God equally in every circumstance? This dilemma was raised with the Maggid of Mezheritch (Dov Ber 1710-1772).
A student asked him how it is possible to bless God equally for the bad and the good, to accept without complaint or bitterness whatever is ordained from Heaven?Even though Scripture teaches us that we must thank God for the negative things that come our way because ultimately things will work out for good, how could one possibly react the same way to bad things as with good things?
The Maggid referred him to one of his disciples, the Reb Zusha of Anipoli. Reb Zusha was pleased to meet with the student and they spent several hours in earnest discussion. During this time, the student was amazed at the extreme poverty that the Reb, his wife and family endured accompanied with constant sicknesses and afflictions. How could Reb Zusha be so cheerful and full of joy and gratitude to God?
Finally, the student asked his host, “The main purpose of my visit is to ask something that has been troubling me, and our Rebbe advised me to visit you for the solution.”
“What is your question” asked Reb Zusha?
So, the student explained his dilemma to Reb Zusha. After a moment’s pause, the Reb nodded his head and replied, “You raise a good question, but why did the Rebbe send you to me? How would I know? He should have sent you to someone who has experienced suffering!”
I am reminded of the words spoken by Paul towards the end of his life whilst incarcerated in prison and abandoned by almost everyone he had thought were his friends: “Rejoice in the Lord always—again I will say, rejoice! …for whatever circumstance I am in, I have learned to be content.” (Phil.4:4;11)
If, as an analogy of comparison, just one fleeting glimpse of Heaven is worth an entire lifetime of unremitting suffering, then please bring it on that we may learn to better appreciate the eternal reward awaiting each true believer who loves and serves Him!
