In my personal journey with managing mental and behavioral health, I’ve had the opportunity to visit numerous therapists and other professionals. The quality and soundness of care I have received has certainly been varied. Some of the advice has been well-seasoned with love and grace. Other times, I have been guided with instructions that were simply worldly opinion.
Whether it is from a professional, a friend, or family member, we can all benefit from the listening ear of another from time to time. An effective counselor will encourage you and speak truth. Sometimes the counsel is sound and wise. Quite often, however, the counsel that we receive from others is based in opinion rather than upon God’s Word. It is filtered through sinful human minds. We should always weigh the counsel of men against the Truth of God’s Word. We need a better counselor. We need the Wonderful Counselor!
During the Christmas season, we often hear the name Wonderful Counselor. This name for Jesus was written by the prophet, Isaiah, when he spoke of the coming Messiah (Isaiah 9:6). God is the ultimate Counselor. Scripture points to each person of the Trinity acting in the role of counselor.
While Jesus was on earth, He shepherded the hearts of many. As He healed countless individuals, He continually exhibited compassion. He cared not only for physical needs, but more importantly, spiritual needs. He encouraged and lifted up individuals with His Word. He encourages us to come to Him for wisdom.
But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
James 1:5
God is able to give us wisdom from beyond ourselves:
I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
Psalm 32:8
God’s counsel aligns with His Word and perfect will. As our Wonderful Counselor, Jesus “heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
We need life-giving truth from His Word. We need wise counsel. When have YOU needed a wonderful counselor? To be true, there is not a moment when we do not need to hear His voice. He offers guidance beyond what can be provided by humans. He is eternal and His counsel has no end.
Where do you go first when you need a counselor? When the inevitable setbacks and surprises of life occur, who or what has your attention first? I must admit that in my life, far too often, I do not go first to my Wonderful Counselor. He offers more than a quick fix. He offers Himself. He offers eternal life. Moments of heartache, decision making, fear, anxiety, and joy can all be taken to Him. He is our “ever present help in time of need” (Psalm 46:1). I encourage you this Christmas season, and always, to rest in the comfort, healing, and Truth found in our Wonderful Counselor.
Love in Christ,
Adam