The Highway Forums General Discussion Open Forum Count it all Joy James 1:2

1. I'm not overly joyous with Kistemaker's statement. The problem for me is his insistence that a real Christian will shout "Praise the Lord" when adversities come his way. This has the ring of Mary Baker Eddy's Gnosticism where one allegedly is to ignore physical pain, etc. Is Kistemaker actually suggesting that one shout forth "Praise the Lord" when news comes that your youngest child has been killed in an accident?

2. It also brings back memories of the Pentecostal groups I witnessed who would loudly say, "Praise the Lord" regardless of what was said by someone else. While sitting in a group where individuals were asking for prayer, one woman spoke and said her mother had died that morning and asked if we would pray that God would comfort her in her grief. Immediately, three Charismatic Catholics yelled in unison, "Praise God! Praise you Jesus, praise you Jesus!" repeated until someone scolded them and told them to shutup.

3. When trials and tribulations come it is foolishness to think that one can deny his/her humanity and ignore the pain, disappointment, grief, etc. Even Jesus was distraught to the point of shedding drops of blood when He contemplated the cross. Not once do we read of Jesus telling people that crying and lamenting their pitiful situation that they should smile and shout "Praise the Lord" and go on their merry way jumping for joy. Kistemaker makes reference to Job, but when I read of Job, I do not read that Job lifted up his hands and shouted "Praise the Lord! I am full of joy today because of my near total loss of family and possessions. Hallelujah!" What I read is that Job wished he had never been born (Job 3:3). It took quite some time before Job came to accept all that had happened to him and I seriously doubt his grief over the loss of his children was ever completely removed. He probably also grieved that his wife wasn't taken too.

4. Lastly, re: your friend. It is one thing to not see an increase in patience, or whatever virtue one would like to see increase in their life and be disappointed in that fact. But we know that the God works in 'mysterious ways' and all will accomplish their intended purpose in our lives to the glory of His most excellent name. Rarely do things happen instantly or overnight. However, what could be a problem is if your friend becomes bitter toward God because of his trials. Although not all trials are due to our own failures and sin, probably the majority are and thus if we are going to express anything, it should be remorse over ourselves and hatred toward sin. Hebrews 12:1ff comes to mind.

For some reason, I am thinking that this subject has been discussed here on the board before. I betcha if you do a search you will find at least one thread.