Let not the happenings of the world sadden you. I swear by God! The sea of joy yearneth to attain your presence, for every good thing hath been created for you, and will, according to the needs of the times, be revealed unto you. (Baha’u’llah, quoted in Shoghi Effendi, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 82)
There are 3 points in this quote, each of which I’d like to address separately.
- Let not the happenings of the world sadden you: Most of what I read in the press and social media seems deliberately designed to frighten me and forget that God is in charge of the process, even of the decline of the old world order, and that, since mankind has not accepted the authority of His Latest Messenger, things have to get so bad that the “limbs of mankind will quake” before things can get better. When I remember this, I’m better armed with the tools I need to help elevate the conversations around me and when I’m not, it is so easy for me to get pulled under by the undertow of all the fear and negativity around me. I need a lot of alone time to recharge and go back out into the world better prepared to teach and be of service. This time with God is absolutely essential for me to pass this test.
- The sea of joy yearneth to attain your presence: This is a reminder that God yearns to attain my presence and indeed my soul longs to attain His presence too. When I get caught up in the business of my life, it’s easy to forget.
- for every good thing hath been created for you, and will, according to the needs of the times, be revealed unto you: When I’m stepped in self-pity and victimhood and “poor me”, I am blind to the good things in my life, which is why it’s been so important to cultivate an attitude of gratitude. When I pay attention, moment by moment to all the good things in my life, and in this moment, which is the only moment I’ve got, everything is fine. Everything has always been fine. The hard times have been the times of my greatest spiritual growth and have brought me to today, and the future is totally in God’s hands. When I live in the present it’s much easier to see God’s gifts and be grateful.
Remembering God’s love for me and all of His bounties and blessings, I am grateful!
What jumped out for you as you read through today’s meditation? I’d love it if you would share so we can all expand our knowledge of the Writings!
If you liked this meditation, you might also like my book Learning How to Forgive
I have been reading about the Covenant Breaker, Ibrahim Khayrullah. He ultimately denounced Abdu’l-Baha. Yet, through his teaching, many stalwart Baha’is arose though they were greatly tested by the Covenant breakers. As the Blessed Beauty says , this world is a show, vain and empty. I pray that each and all are drawn to what really matters!
What jumped out at me is that “the sea of joy yearneth to attain your presence”. And I always thought that joy was avoiding me!
Me too, Bill! I’ve often thought that joy was avoiding me. I always thought that this quote promised joy at some time in the future:
Now I am reminded that joy is a choice, as seen in this prayer:
Thanks for this important reminder, Jay. Life is like a kaleidoscope – when looked at one way, I can come to one conclusion, and when I look at it another, I can come to an entirely different one. That’s why it’s so important to deepen on the Writings and consult on meanings with others. We come closer to understanding the 70+1 meanings that God has promised to give us.
Thank you for the post. Today what jumped out was “Let not the happenings of the world sadden you” … and the need to constantly remember that The Creator is in charge, not mere mortals.
Absolutely right CarolAnne! Recently I heard someone say that expectations are pre-planned resentments, which made a lot of sense to me. Whenever I try to control people or events, I am in self-will and not aligned with God’s will, and His plan is always better than anything I can come up with on my own.
“rejoice in the gladness of thine heart, that thou mayest be worthy to meet me and mirror forth my beauty.” I think that joy is a beauty our soul could reflect it on our life, as I could understand of this Hidden Words, 36 Arabic.
I LOVE that you are finding other quotes to support these, Simin! Thank you! I often pray to “glow”, so others can be attracted to the Faith. I’ve noticed a lot of born-again Christians have that glow, and I want it!