Q. If someone suffers, our sages say that Hashem suffers with him, as it says; I’m with him in his trouble. Is it then correct to say that a person should avoid suffering so Hashem will not suffer too? Or should one feel good, be happy and enjoy pleasant things, so Hashem will enjoy with him?
A. Horav Shlomo Miller’s Shlit”a opinion is that in principle you are correct, as Hashem is our Father, loves us with great love and only wishes only our benefit. However, sometimes our suffering and our distress are also part and parcel of that eventual well being. They may be either part of the kaparah and redemption processs, necessary to gain total forgiveness (similar to fasting), or they may be a nissayon or test that brings us to higher spiritual levels.
It goes without saying, that accepting the yissurim and their pain with simcha, love and happiness, (mekabel yisurim beahavah), thus turning them into an acceptable and even pleasant experience, would bring joy to Hashem.
Rabbi A. Bartfeld as revised by Horav Shlomo Miller Shlit”a
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