As it says in Tehillim, ivdu et Hashem b’simcha, the G-dly service of a Jew is to be done with joy and enthusiasm. When we learn Torah and do mitzvot, it should be infused with energy and excitement from the incredible fortune of being Jews and being able to serve Hashem.
This verse serves as a guide not only to one’s state of mind while learning Torah and doing mitzvot, but also as a lesson on the importance of simcha throughout the life of a Jew. We are taught that every aspect of a Jew’s day - even the most mundane part - is for the higher purpose of serving Hashem. This verse in Tehillim is therefore a mandate for us to live our lives with constant happiness.
Although simcha has always played an important role in the service of a Jew, with the revelation of Chassidus it took on a whole new significance. The Baal Shem Tov emphasized this idea, how every aspect of our lives should be carried out with complete joy, explaining that simcha is fundamental in one’s service of Hashem. Even when it comes to doing teshuva, one’s approach should be pure joy.
The Previous Rebbe describes in a letter how there are two things that were never lacking by Chassidim: “joy of the soul and friendship. These are Chassidishe characteristics that always exist... sometimes, though, they need to be revealed. The way to reveal them is through learning Chassidus.”
In Tanya, the Alter Rebbe explains at length the importance of simcha in our service of Hashem. He describes how just the thought of being able to connect to Hashem should bring an immense excitement and joy to the person, even more than when receiving wealth and riches! This should be the way a Jew lives when things are easy and difficult alike. Chassidus teaches us how joy shouldn’t just be an outcome of good circumstances, it should be the way we define and approach every situation. Whatever may come our way, we should take it in stride recognizing that it is coming from Hashem and it is for our ultimate good.
There are countless letters and answers from the Rebbe describing how the way to approach a difficult situation is to add in simcha, and by doing so we create a vessel for all the blessings we need, bringing them about in a way of revealed good.
Keeping this frame of mind may prove difficult at times. In a lengthy letter, the Rebbe the Tzemach Tzedek writes to a chassid who was struggling emotionally that in addition to asking Hashem to bring him to joy, he can be in control of his emotions and put himself in a joyful state. The Tzemach Tzedek explains: Since one has control over his thoughts, speech and actions, he can affect his emotions and bring himself happiness by paying attention to what he is focused on. By keeping his thought, speech and action concentrated on upbeat and joyful matters, and distracting himself from anything to the contrary, his emotions will follow and thus he will bring himself true happiness and a joyful state of being.
Joy to Bring Moshiach
In addition to the importance regularly given to simcha, it is especially important as a preparation to bring about the geulah (redemption). The Rebbe explains that just as simcha poretz geder - when one is joyful it enables him to break boundaries and do more in every aspect - so, too, our joy brings about the ultimate breaking of boundaries, the coming of Moshiach!
The above and “Joy - the Spirit of Serving Hashem” adapted & reprinted from Derher
