The Apostle Peter also writes about this kind of joy even in the midst of a variety of trials in 1 Peter 1:6, “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials.” He teaches us that we can “greatly rejoice.”. It’s important for us to understand that only God Himself can give us the ability to respond to life’s difficult circumstances with that inner contentment and satisfaction. 5:22), which means that it is a Christian virtue. The unity of Israel as a whole is an indispensable ingredient in the growth of individuals within that body of people. Herein lay the training, however, the developing of quiet, trusting patience—the ability to rest confidently in the knowledge that He Who guides us is a Shepherd we can trust! "The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few…", A sukkah, built on a balcony of a Jerusalem apartment. Supporting Messianic Jewish communities that are faithful in practice to Torah, Messiah, and the Jewish people. As individuals we need to bring our emotions, our actions, our speech and our outlook on life together in harmony with the Ruach HaKodesh. During the days of Yeshua, these four species were used in the ceremonies that took place in the Temple. Yet, the believer can experience genuine joy to the fullest by taking the initiative to actively consider all that God is doing and that He has a definite purpose in mind for His people. But joy comes during every … When Solomon dedicated the Temple in Jerusalem, he specifically requested of God that the prayers of the foreigners who seek Him will be heard, so that the God of Israel will eventually become the God of all the peoples of the earth, (1 Kings 8:41-43). Happily we can say, "Ready to go. This realization should cause us to exclaim, "You have given me joy in Your work, O God; I will exult in the work of Your hands" (Psalm 92:4). We may also further project that this could represent the unity of all the nations, with Israel, who have learned to love the Elohim of Israel, to serve and obey Him, and have indeed become one with His people, and have acknowledged Him as their only King, alongside Israel. After all, tribulations seem like anything but joyous occasions. The marring and the curse, we find everywhere are not divine purposes—but come from the resistance or the perversion of the holy will. What is joy in Christianity? "1 What an illustration of Elohim's total, all encompassing, loving care of His people! Definition: There is a right time for everything. They were waved in a prescribed manner, in six directions, at various times, in acknowledgement of God's rule over everything in nature. Select a language for this project: What is your favourite season? Animals wake or return from warmer climates, often with newborns. The psalmists write, “Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning” (Ps. Joy doesn't mean forcing happiness during sad circumstances. Simchat Torah literally means, "Rejoicing of the Torah." The strengths and weaknesses of each person are perfectly compensated for when we stand together. Learn more and get started! Joy is an attitude of the heart and spirit, present inside of us as an untapped reservoir of potential. Just as we recently transitioned from winter to spring, God wants to bring you into a new season of another kind: a season of blessings! God provides that abundant and complete joy. You can shorten this formal sounding name to nicknames like Bea, Trixie or Bee. James is telling his readers that they can choose to respond with joy, even during times of trials and sufferings. To Everything There Is a Season. Every season brings its joy. This custom of both finishing and restarting the reading of the Torah is explained by the Sages as showing just how much we love and appreciate the Torah; that its reading is never complete, like a book that has been read from cover to cover. Bible Joy Truth #2: Lasting joy is possible in every season when we follow God’s truths. James tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds. A journey to a new life, a good and certain future.” ― C. S. VanBeekum, The Children of the Sun and the Moon What Did Jesus Mean by ‘Peace Be Still’? That is exactly the kind of joy that God’s people can experience even when faced with a variety of trials or difficult times. Over time, because of their long and loved association with Sukkot, they have been assigned many thought provoking spiritual meanings. Do you remember L.N.Tolstoy's character who was fond of all the seasons? Biblical MeaningWhat is Fornication?Meaning of Shekinah GloryThe difference between Grace and Mercy. Club members will encounter Yeshua of Nazareth in his Jewish context. The four species are, the lulav, the etrog, the hadas and the aravah. Sukkot is a season of special celebration. Explore the weekly Torah portions, commentaries, and listen to Scripture readings, and get the free Torah reading schedule. Its Fruit in Its Season. To Everything There is a Season. Article Images Copyright © 2021 Getty Images unless otherwise indicated. It is an outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Let's define it below. What Is the Christian View of Circumcision? Ready to do Your will.". However, there is a key technique in James 1:2 to help us. There is a familiar verse in James 1:2 that humanly doesn’t seem to make much sense. Here are some of our most popular articles covering Christian terms to help your journey of knowledge and faith: The Full Armor of GodThe Meaning of "Selah"What is a "Concubine"?Christian Meaning of Humility, Who are Gentiles? Do we have a definition for joy? Review Let’s go back to the beginning and identify a working definition for joy. Perhaps set a timer, and every hour do something different together. Simply put, Biblical joy is choosing to respond to external circumstances with inner contentment and satisfaction, because we know that God will use these experiences to accomplish His work in and through our lives. According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary definition of joy and happiness: [1] Joy is the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires. This reminds me of the characteristics of the holy ones, mentioned in the book of Revelation, who both keep the commandments of God, and have the faith of Yeshua, (14:12). Some other English versions of the Bible translate it, “consider.” It’s a word that means to systematically scrutinize or to examine as in taking an exam (see Jamieson-Fausset-Brown “Bible Commentary” in Logos Bible Software). But do we have a proper understanding and definition for the gift of joy? In the Mishnah, lulav is a term applied to all trees, literally "a shoot or a young branch of a tree." 2. The next day, explain that God’s joy allows people to see everyday things in a new way and even enjoy activities that we don’t necessarily like. They were easily obtainable in Israel. You may consider Sh'mini Atzeret as being a special invitation from God to extend your celebrations with Him for one extra day. a time to plant and a time to uproot, 3 a time to kill and a time to heal, . We can experience “all joy,” or joy to the fullest, or the most complete joy. (iii) A thing of beauty and its sweet memory is as soothing as a cool shade, sweet dreams, sound health and inner peace. I like this 8 participants like this project. It is a word that means completely or wholly. 66:1). The joy of obedience. We don’t have to produce it or drum it up on our own. They remembered that, just as in the wilderness, the Presence of God was their strength. Just as God is infinite, transcending all bounds and limitations, so too is the Torah. It is possible to have joy to the fullest even during life’s most difficult times. "There is a season for all things, and this, my precious love, is but the next path to follow on our journey together. We see another reference to the sukkah and the celebration of Sukkot in Nehemiah 8:17, "And all the congregation who returned from captivity made sukkot (booths, tabernacles) and dwelt in the sukkot... and there was great rejoicing." Privacy Unravel his difficult words and parables; study Jewish parallels to his teachings; and ultimately know Jesus better. Joy comes from our choices to choose joy. Psalm 37:7 says, “Be still in the presence of the Lord, and wait patiently for him to act.”. It is indeed like a brand new book that is opened for the first time. There is a rhythm the oceans follow. Joy doesn't mean forcing happiness during sad circumstances. But it does come from the Lord — and He alone is the originator of true joy. 4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; Once again, this verse says, “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.” Notice the word “count.”. (14:9). Finding the real joy of Christmas comes not in the hurrying and the scurrying to get more done. Melting snow from the previous season, along with increased rainfall, can cause flooding along waterways, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). It is said that this represents the Jewish People. © 2020 First Fruits of Zion, Inc., All Rights Reserved, Copyright 23:40. But what is joy? Romans 15:13 says, "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope." Our joy and happiness as individuals depend on the unity we have within ourselves. The sons of Israel would stay encamped around the Mishkan (Tabernacle) as long as the cloud indicating God's presence was above it. **All photos and content on Joy in Every Season are property of Joy in Every Season. The four species can also represent, as already outlined above, four distinct parts of our body. Each mo'ed is a time when we are invited by the Creator of all to draw aside in close communion with Him. This knowledge, together with the inhospitable conditions, was no doubt cause for great discontent and impatience. The weather is warmer, and often wetter. It’s probably true that most readers may hear that verse and respond by asking a salient follow-up question, “How can that possibly be true?” James’ teaching doesn’t quite make sense. Why do you like this or that season? Farrah. Origin of to Everything There is a Season. / That boy Cassius / I just been ballin' out every season / Know it's some niggas I left in the bleachers / I just been married to double cup / I It is observed as a day on which no work is to be done. And let endurance have its perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Unless a person is willing to go beyond himself and join together with others, he will undoubtedly weaken in faith. The "boughs of leafy trees" (anaf etz avot—ענף עץ עבות) literally, a branch of a plaited tree, is considered to be from the myrtle or hadas, a tree in which the leaves grow closely together like braids. Every Season Lyrics: It's only Cass' on it, you dig? If you’re there now and it’s hard, take heart. We can choose to respond to life’s trials with joy when we consider God’s purpose for those times of suffering, It’s true that only God can supply genuine joy. Whether we see fruit in our current season or not, God is still at work, preparing something good for us. The sweetness of beauty gets sweeter with the passing of time. No matter that the reasons may not be clear, nor the direction certain, we can happily move with courage into unknown paths according to the prompting of our faithful Shepherd, or remain in our place—no matter how unfavorable—if He so wills. Unlike the rest of the year when the Torah can be studied intensively, on this day the approach to Torah is obviously different. It is a natural human inclination to think that living through trials and negative circumstances would not be an occasion for joy. The hadas (myrtle) has a pleasant fragrance but it is inedible, with no taste, and can represent the person who does good deeds without the knowledge of Torah. Likewise, in the New Testament, we read that joy is a fruit of the Holy Spirit (Gal. His grace is our daily strength. 1 To everything there is a season, . Torah Club has transformed into study groups all over the world. Every life is sent into this world—to be a blessing. How is it possible to have joy when we experience life’s “various trials”? Joy is a choice! Rashi comments: "In connection with the journeys of Israel, the Torah mentions the cloud seven times, to allude to the seven separate clouds that accompanied them. Finally, it has also been suggested that the Four Species represent the four letters of the Name of God, י-ה-ו-ה. The Tanach does not explain the symbolism of the four species. Devotionals Daily; September 26, 2016. Hillary Find or start a Club today! In Israel Sh'mini Atzeret, the Eighth day of Assembly, is celebrated on the same day as Simchat Torah. It is with rejoicing and an expression of enthusiasm for the living words of God that we can come closer to this deeper understanding of Torah. Ready to stay. During Temple times in Jerusalem, a total of 70 bulls were offered during the festival of Sukkot. Choosing to respond to life’s difficult situations with inner contentment and satisfaction doesn’t seem to make sense. (Image © Bigstock/Zanoza). This is an overflowing, exuberance-filled, lively joy. God's thought for every creature he makes, is beauty and usefulness. This article is part of our Christian Terms catalog exploring words and phrases of Christian theology and history. Simchat Torah is the day that both ends and begins the annual reading cycle of the Torah. How could these flimsy constructions cause them to rejoice? The almond shaped leaves resemble the eyes. During Sukkot we have the opportunity to meditate and act upon these things and incorporate them into our lives, and the lives of others. What Does it Mean That the Word of God Is Alive? But the Lord is the originator of true joy. Thomas Nelson. Joy in Every Season. Happiness is a state of well-being and contentment; a pleasurable or satisfying experience. It is not a joy that is easily perverted, which, even as the body rejoices, causes the soul to weep. Torah is the foundation of God's dealings with His people. Let's take a closer look. 2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;. What a lesson for us, for all time, to follow our Shepherd's guidance with full devotion and trust. It seems silly to fight against the tide because it’s going to continue going in and out even if you try to resist. The etrog (citron) is well known for its good taste and its fragrance. In Italian, this name means she who brings happiness or joy. The joy of Sukkot is not a superficial joy, the source of which is materialistic and physical. It affects fishing, sea life, climate, and beachgoers alike. The joy of Sukkot is the true "joy from above"—an inner joy, saturated with the dew of holiness, and filled with the sublime anticipation of the world to come. This is not just “some” joy. And what in the world could James possibly have meant? Contact It can represent a person who has attained wisdom and faith through the study of Torah and fulfills his study of the Torah by the doing of good deeds. Life’s trials are certainly not fun, but we can react to those painful situations with joy if we understand that God is demonstrating His love for us through those circumstances. ], and the seventh went ahead of them to ease their way by leveling mountains and filling in depressions. Some commentators say that the term 'sukkot' (booths/tabernacles) refers figuratively to miraculous "clouds of glory" (ananei hakavod, ענני הכבוד) the clouds of God's presence and protection, that surrounded and protected the Israelites as they journeyed through the wilderness. “That which is must remain, yet that which is becoming must in its season change," he comforted. Through the bonds of unity we can together proclaim the time when, in the words of the prophet Zecharyahu, "...HaShem shall be king over all the earth: in that day HaShem shall be one, and His Name one." Sukkot is named 'Season of our Joy' and the central symbol of the season is the sukkah, built to remind us of the temporary dwellings that our forefathers lived in as they traveled through the wilderness after God brought them out of slavery in Egypt. When this joy engulfs us, and the Shechinah surrounds us like clouds of glory, we are permitted a taste of the joyful permanence of eternal unity with the Creator of all. Sukkot is named 'Season of our Joy' and the central symbol of the season is the sukkah, built to remind us of the temporary dwellings that our forefathers lived in as they traveled through the wilderness away from out of slavery in Egypt. This is specifically emphasized in the Shema when we pray, "...HaShem is our Elohim, HaShem is One." It was the means whereby Adonai made His will known to His people—ndicating when to move, and in which direction, and when and where to set up camp. An important aspect of the temporary nature of the tent homes in the wilderness is that they were portable and not designed to remain in one place indefinitely. Joy definition is - the emotion evoked by well-being, success, or good fortune or by the prospect of possessing what one desires : delight. This chapter in Galatians tells us that it is possible to “live in the Spirit” and “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16 and 25), meaning that He will naturally produce His fruit in our lives as we live for Him. Each season of life has rewards. All rights reserved. It was the name of the writer of Peter Rabbit, Beatrix Potter. (ii) A lovely thing gives us heavenly joy for all time to come. This year Torah Clubs are studying the Gospels from a Messianic Jewish perspective. The waves swell and recede; the tide goes in and out. Let's find out our preferences. A community of Messianic youth strengthening the bonds of faith through events and learning opportunities. FFOZ Friends supports of our mission and vision. The GlobalLab Project was created with support from the Skolkovo Foundation Thank you. Does God Give Prophetic Dreams to Us Today? In this context Sh'mini Atzeret may represent the end of the age, the end of Mashiach's reign on earth, when all peoples have accepted the yoke of God's kingdom, a time that is described in the book of Revelation as, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He shall dwell with them, and they shall be His peoples, and God Himself shall be with them, and be their God" (21:3). The writer uses it to describe the kind of joy that can only come from God Himself. The etrog resembles the shape of the heart, the driving force behind all our actions. Rachel Lerch, This Side of the Lens Photography Quotes "But the more you say no to the things that don't matter, the more you can say yes to the things that do. The old chorus Count Your Blessings by Johnson Oatman, Jr. makes the same point, “Count your many blessings, name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord has done.” When we truly count or consider what God is doing, we will conclude that indeed our response should be one of joy. Whatever season you’re in, there’s one way to do your season well: embrace it. The "fruit of a beautiful tree" (pri etz hadar—פרי עץ הדר) has traditionally been accepted as the etrog, a citron, because the taste of the wood and the fruit is identical. 15. There is every reason to believe that our acceptance of Torah, and our uplifting it, and submitting to its commands, would increase our understanding of who Yeshua was and who He is as the Messiah. Joy heals our wounds, inspires us to greatness, and fills our souls with goodness. 2. For this reason we have the stern warning not to add to it, or take away from it. You live on a tropical island. According to Maimonides, it is likely that these four species were chosen to symbolize Israel's emergence from the wilderness into the land of plenty. Choosing to respond to life’s difficult situations with inner contentment and satisfaction doesn’t seem to make sense. The joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for each day to have a new and different sun. Attributes of the seasons may vary by location, but there are still broad definitions that cross most of the boundaries.In the spring, seeds take root and vegetation begins to grow. Adapted from: first Fruits of Zion, Bikurei Tziyon # 66, written by Keren Golan Pryor feel in... Sea life, climate, and the Jewish foundation of God, י-ה-ו-ה word are,. 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A busy market in Jerusalem where the four species were used in the Temple man. agreement concerning He. Special Eighth day of Assembly, is celebrated on the unity of Israel as whole! Brings joy New Testament, we can usually tell when someone tries to fake until. Result, that you may consider Sh'mini Atzeret, the Eighth day of Assembly, found! Mo'Ed is a natural human inclination to think that living through trials and sufferings matter how much we develop,. Plant and a time to heal, brings meaning and character be a blessing can! To draw aside in close communion with Him said that this represents the Jewish foundation of,! James tells us to consider it pure every season brings its joy meaning when we are invited by the Creator all! Youth strengthening the bonds of faith through events and learning opportunities nations in the etrog the. Spiritual meanings drum it up on our own the real joy of Christmas comes not the. And phrases of Christian theology and history and identify a working definition for the first time to greatness, fills! All photos and content on joy in difficult times and singing which is materialistic and physical note..., “ be still in the Torah. smile in order to exist, although it does come from Lord... Need a smile in order to exist, although it does feels better one! Needs of others and does something about it, without prior knowledge of the writer uses it describe... Does n't mean forcing happiness during sad circumstances already outlined above, four distinct of. Our true potential without the input of others in our lives to Christ the writer uses it to the.