The phrase, “The secret of God is to those who are in awe of Him” reveals another important “secret of God” (יוָאֵירִי-הוה לדֹסו), for its numerical value equals that of the primary word for “joy” (הָחְמִׂש). To a certain extent, we have only one fundamental choice regarding how to experience life. We either choose a joyous, positive attitude or a more passive, fatalistic, and ultimately unhappy approach.
Furthermore, the letters of the word for “thought” (הָבָׁשְחַמ) can be rearranged to spell “with joy” (הָחְמִׂשְּב).
Although many people think that being a happy person is a matter of one’s innate nature and that one is either a happy person or not, the truth is that being in a state of joy is a conscious and willful decision. Our thoughts determine whether we are happy or not and any situation in the present or the past can be reframed in a positive manner. The “secret of God” is that a life of constant renewal and inspiration is synonymous with a joyful life; a life focused on utilizing one’s time in the most productive way possible leads to fulfillment and happiness.
10. Tikkunei Zohar 67a.
