Simchah & Gilah

[alon]

The Vilna Gaon explained the difference in Simchah and Gilah: "Simcha is reflected in the thrill of a quick accomplishment. Gilah is the joy that comes with the completion of a long process. Where simchah is instantaneous, gilah is beyond the moment, but well worth the wait and toil. Ultimately it is a far more fulfilling joy."

As we work out our salvation (Phil 2:12), we need to keep these two types of joy in mind. Sure it's great to get that feeling of closeness to Hashem when we worship. But most of what we experience takes effort, particularly during Yamim Nora'im (the Days of Awe) when we are looking back on our sins and shortcomings and repenting of them, asking help from Elohim to overcome them. It is in times like this ha'satan likes to thrust the knife in a bit more; and his knife thrusts are accurate! But we need to remember that we are working towards the ultimate experience of gilah- that when we are gathered to Elohim and experience the joy of being in the presence of Yeshua. We are working towards the goal of hearing "Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master." (Matthew 25:21 ESV)

It just struck me after talking with everyone at Shabbat service tonight. We've all had just a bad week since Rosh HaShannah. Frustrating, aggravating, and all downhill for those of us in ill health. And we all kind of lost it a few times. But this is a task worth the effort to enter into that final gilah. 

Dan C

Note: the quote from the Vilna Gaon is an excerpt, not the entire explanation.
 

[Elizabeth]

Our first instinct when facing trials is to just want to escape. My daughter has taught me so much on this subject. The worst thing we can do is avoid the life G-d gives us because that's where He teaches us what He knows we need to learn. Sometimes the best you can do is ignore what's in your own heart and to refuse to do less than trust and praise Him anyway. Yeah, it's not perfect, but there's something precious about the struggling desperate choice and determination in that. ( kind of relates in my mind to the Gilah you described).

We can find a place to be grateful even for the need of repentance if we remember this is all about getting us to where G-d knows we are going and preparing us for what He knows lies ahead. Satan knows right where to aim, but then if we handle it according to Yeshua's instructions, we know right where to grow to defend ourselves to prepare for what G-d knows we face.

[Loxody]

Great insight Dan.