Askmoses-A Jews Resource
If Judaism is G-d's true word, why does G-d allow other religions?
Browse our archives

The Scholar is ready to answer your question. Click the button below to chat now.

Scholar Online:

Type in your question here:

How is it possible to be happy if G-d has given me a difficult lot in life?

by Rabbi Avraham Arieh Trugman

  

Library » Philosophy » Happiness | Subscribe | What is RSS?

PRINT EMAIL COMMENT

There is no doubt that achieving happiness despite difficult circumstances in life is an enormous challenge. Yet, the Talmud teaches that God does not give anyone tests they can not handle. The word in Hebrew for test is “nisayon,” whose root “nes” means “ to lift up.” The nature of a test is to force us to extend ourselves beyond what we think we are capable of. When we succeed we are lifted up to an entirely new spiritual level. The same root, “nes,” also means “miracle.” When we do our part in overcoming adversity and go beyond our present capabilities we open ourselves up to the possibility of small, or even large, personal “miracles.”

I am always amazed and inspired by those who are physically challenged, yet seem to be well adjusted, accepting of their circumstances and determined to get on with life. I often wonder if I was in their situation if I could rise to the occasion.

In Kabbalah, this world is called the “world of rectification.” A basic belief in Judaism is that nothing happens without a reason and purpose, even if it is beyond our ability to understand. Therefore, all difficulties in life have a purpose and are ultimately meant to lead to a state of rectification. When one realizes this, then the bigger picture of human suffering becomes clearer and easier to deal with.


ADD A COMMENT

Please email me when new comments are posted (you must be  logged in).

COMMENTS

Suffering

Posted by: Anonymous on Jun 27, 2005

It is all well and good to intellectualize suffering, as a rectification and look at the bigger picture. But that doesn't change the emotional and psychological difficulties.

So, where is G-d to help us get through all the pain and suffering that is suppose to be good for us?

Why can't I be happy when G-d makes thing so difficult

Posted by: Anonymous, Inuvik, NT, Canada on Mar 12, 2006

I believe that life can be a bit difficult regardless of what you believe. As far as G-d making life difficult? I don't believe that it's G-d, he just want us to live within his laws and rules. They are very difficult because, we are not customed to follow these sort of rules. G-d like parents want only the best for us, and like parents there are rule to live in their homes. G-d don't make life difficult we do.

Testing is beneficial

Posted by: Yon, Fayetteville, North Carolina on Jun 23, 2006

It's true that it's hard to see any benefit to enduring pain and suffering while you are undergoing it, but think back to past trials and incidents. What happened to you as a result of them? Did they not make you a stronger person? Aren't you more mature now because of them?

Even when senseless things like the death of a close loved-one happens or life changing physical damage is sustained like permanent full-body paralysis, there is strength to be gained from it. No matter how painful or debilitating, you are still the sum total of all of your experiences.

People are all too used to seeing life as hit-or-miss- it's either good or bad; lucky or unlucky. That's missing the point completely. From birth, we are given the task to become spiritually stronger. The bigger the gain, the bigger the pain. G-d trains us throughout our lives to become stronger to handle future challenges, both for ours and to help others with theirs.

Obviously, it's nothing to smile about during each test. But the satisfaction comes when you can reflect back on them and see how far you have come.

RELATED CATEGORIES

Philosophy » Pain and Suffering
Talmud
Usually referring to the Babylonian edition, it is a compilation of Rabbinic law, commentary and analysis compiled over a 600 year period (200 BCE - 427 CE). Talmudic verse serves as the bedrock of all classic and modern-day Torah-Jewish literature.
Kabbalah
Jewish mysticism. The word Kaballah means "reception," for we cannot physically perceive the Divine, we merely study the mystical truths which were transmitted to us by G-d Himself through His righteous servants.