Created For Counsel

Dear sister,

So often when the dark clouds of life’s storms come rolling in along with what seems like a torrent of difficult circumstances, our hearts become cold like getting caught in a down pour of rain. We often choose to run and hide away as though that will make it all go away. Sometimes, we walk around so numb from the chill in our hearts that we walk through life as though we were just a ghost, or at least we look like one.

So which is it sister? Which way do you tackle the problems of life? Do you hide away all alone? Or do you walk through them emotionless? Maybe you like them, after all they do bring a sense of drama to a somewhat hum drum life. Besides, you have been told what a great problem solver you are! Could it be you have convinced yourself “once a victim always a victim”? You may have become so identified with the problems that you sincerely cannot see yourself any other way. Possibly pride has entered the picture and you are going to “pull yourself up by the bootstraps by golly and just keep going” even if it’s in the wrong direction!

These are some of the reasons most people shy away (or run) from the idea of receiving counsel. Did you know that we were created to be counseled? It’s true! In Genesis 3: 2 we learn that God had told the man and the woman ‘You shall not eat of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’ I would say that’s pretty direct counsel!

God Himself counsels and His counsel is always good. Here are a few of my favorite verses regarding the counsel of God.

“With God are wisdom and might;
he has counsel and understanding.” Job 12:13

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go;
I will counsel you with my eye upon you.
Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding,
which must be curbed with bit and bridle,
or it will not stay near you”. Psalm 32:8

“The counsel of the Lord stands forever,
the plans of his heart to all generations.” Psalm 33:11

God has blessed us with His counsel in His Word, the Bible. We were created to be counseled. He created our hearts and only He knows our hearts. The Scripture tells us that out of our hearts spring the issues of life (Proverbs 4:23), so it makes sense that our hearts take the first hit if you will when life becomes hard. When our hearts are heavy from the burdens of this life God gives us counsel.

Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor and when He ascended into heaven at Pentecost His Holy Spirit which He promised (John 16) remained to comfort us and guide us (counsel) in the Truth of God’s word. Even those with faith as big as mountains need God’s counsel. Job is a powerful example of this. It helps us even when we know the word of God well, to receive counsel from another who also knows the word of God and believes in its final authority in life.

If you are struggling sister and you are confused about what to do, or how to respond to life’s undulating circumstances consider the counsel of the Lord. Consider opening your heart to another believer who is strong in the Lord and is trustworthy with the Word of God. If you are at a place where you don’t have someone to talk to seek out a biblical counselor in your area by going to www.biblicalcounseling.com.

I want to leave you with one last verse from the Psalms that speaks to the counsel of God.

“I bless the Lord who gives me counsel;
in the night also my heart instructs me.
I have set the Lord always before me;
because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken.

Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole being rejoices..” Psalm 16:7-9a

Because of His Grace,
Susan