[Gingersnap]

"Happiness is not particularly a function of salvation. Boy, I couldn't disagree with you more."

I don't think salvation protects us from the troubles and tragedies that beset most human beings. It may comfort us and strengthen us but it doesn't prevent us from feeling grief or situational fear. Scripture and tradition both have many examples of people whom we presume were saved but who also dealt with fear, despair, or grief.

Conversely, I'm sure there are a few very happy Christians out there who are not saved. My main point was that we too often rely on our subjective feelings these days when we try to determine if an action (or piece of scripture) is "good". Sometimes what is best for us is also difficult, tedious, or frustrating.

[Dr. Eckleburg]

Generally, I agree with your post.

I've just come to realize that when God says He will protect His flock, He actually means it. So while we feel the same pain and anxiety everyone feels, Christians are comforted, as you say, by the very real assurance that nothing happens to them that is not part of God's plan.

We are not tossed by the winds of chaos. Ever.

"I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord GOD will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations." -- Isaiah 61:10-11.

"She is not afraid of the snow for her household; for all her household is clothes in scarlet." -- Proverbs 31:21.

"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world." -- John 16:33.