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

Yes, as I tried to explain my position, which I believe is Scriptural, we are not counseled to rejoice over the pain, suffering, grief, etc., but rather to count it all joy that God is working in us that necessary sanctification in preparation to meet Him and for that eternal life on the new earth. We are not called to be masochists nor deny our humanity but rather we are to be constantly discontent with the sin that still remains in us and our penchant to give in to temptations as well as to love the things of this world. It is the dark providences which are sent to cleanse us and lead us along the narrow path until we are called home.

This is but one of many examples in just the Psalms alone where the author cries out to God in distress over various sufferings being experienced both from within and without. Yet, in most ever instance, he concludes his song with a note of blessing God for His goodness and mercy.

And, let's not forget that the Spirit of God inspired an entire book, Lamentations, to be written for our instructions. Surely, Jeremiah did not ignore all that was "bad" and dance through the night singing 103 choruses of some mindless mantra (aka: praise chorus) with hands in the air and with a big smile on his face.

But the CONTEXT of the passage in question: James 1:2-3 (ASV) "Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations; Knowing that the proving of your faith worketh patience.", is about the Christian's failure to live in pure holiness due to a giving in to temptation; some sin. In short, God the Spirit holds back His restraining influence and power and allows one to follow those remaining sinful desires in order that one may learn in adversity the wages of sin and return to that path of righteousness which is glorifying to our Savior God and most beneficial to us. We are to rejoice knowing that God not only has brought about our falling into temptation but will not leave us there but rather pull us out of the pit we have fallen into in order that we will be a better (sanctified) person.