God is waiting to be gracious, and is willing to make us happy in religion, if we would not run away from him. We refuse to open the window shutters, and complain that it is dark.

In this quote, Adoniram Judson conveys a message about spiritual openness and the human tendency to resist the grace and joy that religion can offer. Judson suggests that God is ready and willing to bring happiness and grace into our lives, but many people turn away from this opportunity by avoiding or rejecting the spiritual guidance available to them. He compares this to closing the window shutters and then complaining about the darkness, implying that we block out the possibility of divine light and peace by not engaging with religion or spirituality, even though it is readily available to us.

Judson's metaphor of shutters and darkness illustrates how individuals often keep themselves in a state of spiritual blindness or ignorance by not making the conscious effort to open themselves to God’s grace. The graciousness he speaks of is not forced upon us; rather, it requires our willingness to receive it, just as opening the shutters allows light to flood in. The darkness represents the emotional or spiritual void that people sometimes feel when they are disconnected from their faith or spiritual practices. However, this state of darkness is not due to a lack of divine presence, but rather because they have chosen not to let the light in.

The quote also suggests a responsibility on the part of the individual to actively seek spiritual connection. Judson’s words challenge people to recognize that spirituality and happiness in religion are not passive experiences; they require engagement and openness. If we are not receiving the joy and peace we desire from religion, it may be because we are not making the effort to truly embrace it or to let go of our resistance. The quote encourages an active participation in one’s own spiritual journey.

The origin of this quote can be traced to Adoniram Judson, a prominent American missionary in the 19th century who worked in Burma. Judson spent his life trying to spread the Christian faith, often encountering significant challenges and resistance. His work and teachings reflected a deep belief in the grace of God and the importance of being open to divine guidance. This quote encapsulates his perspective that spiritual blessings are freely available, but they require personal initiative and receptiveness to be fully experienced.