Why Joy Attracts the Divine: The Spiritual Power of Serving God with Happiness

“Is Ephraim not My beloved son, is he not a precious child that whenever I speak of him I recall him even more?" (Yirmiyahu 31:19)

This verse beautifully expresses the deep emotional connection between parent and child. How blessed is the child who understands and embraces the delight they bring to their parent — who knows that they matter, that they are cherished, and that their parent’s heart is open to hearing them, at every moment, with love and concern. Especially a powerful and wise parent, strategically capable, masterful in every skill, able to solve any problem, will inherently place immense value on such a playful, beloved child.

In the reverse, how unfortunate is the child who lacks this recognition that he is a beloved delight to his parent. A child who feels ignored, unimportant, or who thinks of himself as a burden. How tragic is that, especially when the parent is capable in every way.

There is no doubt that such a child feels profoundly insecure and alone. Who would he turn to when life becomes difficult? With no emotional support, he might wither like a leaf caught in the wind, scattered with no one to protect him.

A Secular Analogy: A Long-Awaited Audience with the King

A citizen of a kingdom has waited months for an audience with his king. Finally, the private official calls him in. The man enters the palace, waits in the anteroom, marveling at the grandeur around him. The moment arrives and he approaches the doorway of the throne room and peeks in. He sees the king seated in full glory, adorned in royal robes and surrounded by judges and nobles standing in silent reverence.

Overwhelmed, he nearly faints from the emotional rush. This is the king, the ruler of the universe — and he's placed such importance on me that he summoned me here!

Shaken, he sits in the waiting room, struggling to process what he witnessed. Soon, the official returns and opens the door again. The king beckons him with a soft smile to approach and that smile calms him. The king’s gesture reassures him that he is loved, included, and wanted. Eventually the king seats him right next to the throne — an unimaginable honor.

In that moment, the man is speechless. The king notices and offers him a drink to calm his nerves, and gently restores his composure. Finally, the king places a reassuring hand on the man’s shoulder, showing him affection. He listens to the man’s request and grants it with delighted confidence: “I will fulfill what you asked because you found favor in my eyes…”

When that man rises to leave, still stunned, the king asks, “It was a pleasure to have you — could you come again tomorrow?” The man leaves the palace in awe, not sure if what he experienced was real or a dream.

The Chofetz Chaim (Rabbi Yisrael Meir Kagan) explains that God is enthroned in majestic glory, surrounded by angels capable of consuming the world with a single breath. And yet, the one element that brings God delight is His people. The moment we offer a sincere prayer, a heartfelt blessing, a simple morning praise, we profoundly connect with the Divine in a way that humbles even heavenly beings.

Why Joy Matters: The Spiritual Imperative

When a person communicates with their Creator with joy in the morning, the Divine invites conversation in the afternoon and evening, continuously throughout a lifetime. As the Talmud says: “Would that a person would pray all day long.”

Those are the moments that truly connect us — when God, the King of kings, delights in us.

When we lack this awareness, we become isolated, emotionally disconnected, and abandoned. It is therefore our duty to realize and feel that our Father cherishes and values us.