Learning to Rely on the Counsel of the Lord
Tiffany Layton
There is a name of God that always seems to hit home for me, particularly during the holiday season. Wonderful Counselor is one of my favorite names for God. Growing up, my parents were both marriage and family biblical counselors. I do not think it would be possible to record all the lives they have helped change. As a young child, I watched as they would bring people into our home and counsel them for hours. I witnessed how often they would not charge people who couldn’t afford the counseling. They would go out of their way to help people and walk through broken people’s darkest sins, staying with them until they came out the other side victorious.
This childhood influence impacted me enough that I eventually graduated college with a Theology/Psychology degree. I have also needed and greatly benefitted from counseling. It would be safe to say that I have a great fondness for the work of guiding people through their sins, suffering, and difficulties.
It is for these reasons that the name of God, Wonderful Counselor, is so powerful and meaningful to me. When I think of all the wonderful sacrifices my parents have contributed through the years, it pales in comparison to the perfection of the Holy Spirit’s counsel.
His counsel is always trustworthy.
I have experienced plenty of excellent and trustworthy counselors in my lifetime. None of them will ever be as true as Jesus. I never have to wonder if He can handle my mess, knows how to help me, or will keep things confidential. I already know from the Word of God that His character is pure, perfect, and without blemish. He is the most trustworthy counsel there ever has been and will ever be.
“This also comes from the Lord of hosts; He is wonderful in counsel and excellent in wisdom.” Isaiah 28:29 ESV
When Jesus left this earth and gave us His Spirit, it was for the purpose of having daily guidance, comfort, correction, and counsel. When we face things in our lives that leave us feeling incapable of handling them on our own, we can trust that the Spirit will always give us the most perfect counsel. It is by the Holy Spirit that we are changed by the revelation of God’s Word. He is not our last resort, but rather our first and best hope.
“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you.” Psalm 32:8 ESV
His counsel makes us more like Him.
The more time we spend in the counsel of the Lord, in His Word, and Spirit, the more we will come to reflect His characteristics and image rather than our own. Setting our focus on Him rather than ourselves is very backward from most counseling techniques, but it is the first step to true and absolute freedom!
Some years ago, I was in a very unhealthy place in every way possible. I had been deeply hurt by people I trusted, and I had become incredibly bitter. My body was suffering greatly from hormone imbalance diseases as well. Every area of my life was wildly unhealthy. I began seeing a counselor who was helpful, but I did not experience true relief or freedom until I got my focus off of myself and onto Christ. It was the Holy Spirit who counseled me in His Word so that I would learn to repent of my sins, die to my flesh, and give up my life so that I could find it in Him!
“All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right.” 2 Timothy 3:16 NLT
I want to encourage you to turn to our Wonderful Counselor daily! Unlike going to see a professional counselor, we shouldn’t wait until we are at our lowest to run to Him. It is the daily, moment-by-moment counsel of the Lord that leads us on a path of righteousness, freedom, and joy! His guidance is perfect and holy!
What a Wonderful Counselor! He is so faithful to lead us in the way that is everlasting! He counsels us so we reflect Him and bring Him glory. I can certainly tell you now that I have never been more free, sound-minded, and full of joy!
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Tiffany Layton lives with her husband Lex in Alabama and graduated with a degree in theology from the University of Mobile in 2011. She now serves on staff at her church leading worship, and small groups, and as a church administrator. She loves fall, coffee, songwriting, and staying organized! |