When you are happy, so happy you have no sense of needing Him, so happy that you are tempted to feel His claims upon you as an interruption, if you remember yourself and turn to Him with gratitude and praise, you will be - or so it feels- welcomed with open arms. But go to Him when your need is desperate, when all other help is vain, and what do you find? A door slammed in your face, and a sound of bolting and double bolting on the inside. After that, silence.
The quote from C.S. Lewis' "A Grief Observed" explores the contrast between joy and desperation in one's relationship with God. When a person feels fulfilled and joyous, they tend to overlook their spiritual needs, almost viewing divine claims as interruptions. However, in moments of happiness, if one chooses to turn back to God in gratitude, they may feel embraced and welcomed. This indicates a sense of connection during good times, suggesting that joy can enhance spiritual awareness.
Conversely, in moments of deep desperation when all other sources of help seem futile, the experience with God can feel quite different. Instead of comfort, one might feel rejection or silence, symbolized by a door being shut and bolted. This stark contrast between feeling welcomed in joy and rejected in need highlights the complexity of faith and the human experience of seeking divine support during difficult times. Lewis's reflections invite readers to contemplate the nature of their relationship with God in varying circumstances.
