Do you need a COUNSELOR?

 

Yesterday I had the privilege of speaking to a local Christian Counselor. Being new to the area, I realized last week that I needed to develop some resources for people that go beyond what I can offer. I am more than willing to counsel people spiritually, to support them, to love them, to help them connect with scripture, the Holy Spirit, and their Father in Heaven. But, sometimes the needs are beyond what I can offer and sometimes people need professional counseling. I met a great man yesterday that can provide that type of counseling. We had a great conversation about the difference between CHRISTIAN COUNSELING and SECULAR COUNSELING. What he shared is sad, but I have been aware of for years. Having a trained counselor who also has FAITH in the WONDERFUL COUNSELOR is completely different than the secular option. If you are looking for marriage counseling, addiction counseling, and any number of other mental challenges facing our society, please seek a FAITH BASED CHRISTIAN COUNSELOR. I do not mean to downplay the power of the Holy Spirit to heal us of all illness, including mental illness. but I think God can also work through mental health counselors just like he can work through doctors trying to heal from illnesses like cancer. 

I thought about all of this as I was reading an infamous verse from Isaiah 9 --

"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestors David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the Lord of Heaven's Armies will make this happen." (Isaiah 9:6-7, NLT)

When I look at those lists of names for God it is natural for me to think of God as mighty, as Father, and Prince of Peace. The one name that I have usually glanced over is Wonderful Counselor. Do you approach God as a COUNSELOR? Psalm 16:7 says this:

"I will bless the Lord who guides me; even at night my heart instructs me." (Psalm 16:7, NLT)

Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as our counselor:

"But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you." (John 14:26, KJV)

I love the knowledge that I have a Counselor, someone to go to, someone to talk through the pains, questions, doubts, and fears of life. I can be open and honest with this HEAVENLY COUNSELOR. AND like a HUMAN COUNSELOR we can expect solutions and coping mechanisms to deal with all we are facing. We will receive comfort, solutions, and peace from this WONDERFUL COUNSELOR. There are times we need someone. We need someone to offer an ear. We need someone who will join us in our pain and walk alongside us on the difficult path of life. Jesus is that HEAVENLY COUNSELOR, but if you ever need a wonderful Christian counselor, I can counsel you Spiritually and would offer that guidance through scripture, prayer, and an ear to listen. But if you need more, NOW I can help you with that also. 

Heavenly Father, we know this world is filled with evil, trials, and tribulations. There are times we need a comforter and a wonderful counselor. We need someone who can provide peace in our daily walk. We praise you for COUNSELING us and providing us with your perfect peace. But, Lord, if there are people out there that need someone more, someone to help them connect with you, I pray they would get the help they need. Give them peace that there is no shame in receiving that kind of help. Provide for them. I also lift up those people who have been called to the profession that offers earthly counseling. I pray they will be used for your glory. We praise you Lord for their wonderful gift. AMEN!

Do you have a relationship with this WONDERFUL COUNSELOR? Maybe today is the day to do that? Pray to him! Repent of your sins! Praise God for the gift of his son, accepting that he died for your sins and rose three days later to defeat death. AND commit your life to him! 

If you do that today text the word "Faith" to the phone number (765) 896-4302. I would love to help COUNSEL you on this journey growing in faith and likeness of the Lord Jesus Christ!