There are times in our lives when various circumstances can paralyze us in our walk with the Lord. It may be unexpected tragedy, job loss, or simply emotional struggles. When these times fall into our lives it is a good time to seek counsel.  Too often seeking counsel has a negative connotation attached to it. People will tend to look at counseling as something for the weak or for those who just can’t handle life. However, there is much wisdom in seeking out biblical counseling during those times  we struggle. First, the bible declares that seeking counseling is a good thing.  Proverbs 15:22 states  “Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed.” Also Proverbs 27:9 states,  ” Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and the sweetness of a friend comes from his earnest counsel.” The bible presents counsel as something profitable for us. So who needs a counselor? I would be very surprised if everyone at some point in their lives didn’t need some counsel. Needing counseling does not mean you are weak or that a person is “messed up” but rather that you recognize in living this life there are times when you need to understand more fully what God would have for you to do. We must not worry about how others will look at us if we seek counseling or how the counselor will look at us. God has presented counseling as a means to strengthen and help us in our walk with Him. He has presented counseling as a good thing and so all should be open to receiving it when needed. Next time we’ll talk about who is qualified to counsel.

Ron Jones