(Exo 18:19) "Listen now to my voice; I will give you counsel, and God will be with you . . .
Counseling. It’s a big thing these days. You get into a situation and you need advice. All around you hear voices saying go and get professional help and talk it out. We’re in the day and age of specialists and help is right around the corner. Pay the fee and work the steps. Get a prescription for your anxiety and depression. But is this the way God’s children should seek help?
What do you do when you need a little guidance? How did God originally intend for our problems to get solved? What does the Bible say about counseling and personal/emotional problem resolution? I believe there are three basic ways God has provided for us to receive the help and counsel we need:
THE LORD - (Isa 9:6) For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor . . . Take your cares to the Lord (1 Pet 5:7). Talk it over with Him (1 Sam 1:10). He will give you wonderful counsel. He knows you better than anybody. Then the Holy Spirit will comfort you and guide you (John 14:16; 16:13).
THE WORD – (Psa 119:24) Your testimonies also are my delight And my counselors. God will also counsel you through His Word. Many times in crisis we stop reading the Word. Why do we do that? Read the Psalms for special comfort. Read Proverbs for the wisdom you need. Be a student of the Word and I guarantee you God will give you special promises and encouragements to hang onto. You might want to memorize the ones that stand out to you the most.
THE BODY - (Rom 15:14) Now I myself am confident concerning you, my brethren, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, able also to admonish one another. When you’re in fellowship with the body of Christ you place yourself in an arena where God can speak to you through other concerned and loving believers. And it’s not only what they say but sometimes just their presence or their humor that can be the medicine you need for the moment.
Be careful of the counsel of the ungodly. (Psa 1:1-2) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly . . . The world has seven steps for this and ten secrets of success for that. Even Christians have gotten into this and promote models for personal help and success. Some of it sounds good but don’t buy into it! The Lord’s ways are tried and proven.
Are we putting down professional counseling? No, we’re just promoting God’s way of counseling through His Word.
(Psa 16:7) I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel . . .
Louie