Counsel
Let me share with you for just a moment about how important it is to go to Jesus always for counsel. "You will guide me with Your counsel, and afterward receive me to glory" (Ps. 73:24).
Many people when they need advice, support or counsel they do not turn to Jesus, rather they turn to their vices. A man may turn to his local bar where he will pour out his troubles to someone who he thinks is sympathetic. (But then he has to listen to their troubles!) Others visit "readers" or "fortune tellers" some have their horoscope cast. Some people talk their problems over with a doctor or a pastor or perhaps visit a psychologist or have sessions with a trained counselor. All of these folks may make a person feel good about their problems for a moment but none of these can wipe it all away.
To the Christian, Jesus Christ is the supreme counselor. "Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life" (John 6:68).
Since "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?" (Jer. 17:9) The Lord knows what is in our hearts even when we lie to ourselves (John 2:24-25).
We all lack the ability to combat the devil on our own because it takes more than conventional worldly wisdom. "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask God, who gives liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him" (James 1:5) (Proverbs 2:3-6).
Jesus is the only one qualified to be counselor because Colossians 2:3 tells us "that in Christ "are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge." (pH. 1:, 3:9)
Christ can give us the understanding, which we need in any circumstance. "Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out (Prov. 20:5) (Proverbs 18:4)
We as Christians must look to Christ by his spirit has "rested upon us, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might (Is. 11:2).
Christians need to learn to seek and wait on the Lord's counsel. Proverbs 21 says to "apply our hearts to understanding, if you seek her as silver, and search for her as for hidden treasures." "He who believes will not act hastily" (Is. 28:16).
He is always there for us, he listens, understands, and he will show us his compassion always even to the end of the age (Matt 28:20).
Dale Thompson
http://www.bridepub.com