Counseling: A Closer Look How does God advise us to cope with emotional and spiritual problems? By Darrel Lee

At times we are asked the question, “Does your church do counseling?” The answer is unequivocally yes. At various times in his walk, a Christian will sense his need to solicit the ministry’s counsel, and we encourage him to do so.

This generation of church organizations is likely the most therapeutic in history. The trend has been to follow the pattern set by the world and seek rehabilitative solutions to emotional and spiritual problems. However, in spite of the rush to seek therapeutic remedies, the current generation also appears to be more spiritually confused than any other. Has anyone bothered to ask why?

This article is not intended to be a criticism of the many capable individuals who have been trained to help people cope with their problems. Rather, it is a reminder to look to the One to whom Isaiah ascribed the name “Counsellor.” Many who ask about church counseling have learned from society that the antidote for their ills lies in counseling, much like healing from certain infections is found in antibiotics. The fact that you have been counseled is often considered evidence that you are on the road to being problem-free. What a rude awakening occurs when the same problems continue in the post-counseling period! People should be asking, “What does God have to say about how I should deal with my predicament?"

Perhaps the key to this subject is the meaning of counseling from a Christian perspective. The Psalmist said, “Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors” (Psalm 119:24). The definition of the Hebrew word translated “counsellor” includes more than a person who offers a listening ear and gives advice. In addition, a divine plan or purpose is implied. So, rather than being limited to encouragement, the counsel offered by God includes how your problem fits in the greater context of His divine plan for your life.

Society holds that many of our problems are a result of the dysfunctional manner in which we were reared. No doubt countless people have suffered injustices in childhood. Though some of these wrongs have been inflated, many are very real. In either case, we must remember that the greatest injustice ever suffered was never remedied. And the Just One who suffered it at the hands of wicked men thus qualified Himself to be a succorer of all who suffer a similar fate.

God’s counsel to those who suffer from injustice centers around one word: forgiveness. Jesus forgave those who betrayed Him. We should do the same to those who trespass against us. Any counsel that guides us to that Biblical conclusion is helpful indeed. Counsel that conflicts will ultimately contribute to the anxiety of an already troubled heart.

The counsel of the Lord will lead us to conclude that events over which we have no control are allowed by God. Though we do not understand these things, we can lay our burdens on the One who will give us grace to be stronger as a result of our experiences.

In truth, many do not want the counsel of the Lord. It is easier to pay $50 for an hour of therapy than to go to their knees with an open Bible. Nevertheless, there is no substitute for following the counsel offered by God’s Word.

Make no mistake, most of us need help in overcoming the battles of life. In a perfect world, we could get up after a five-minute prayer meeting with victory over the most severe trial. This is not a perfect world. So when a severe trial does come, ask God to direct you to the individual who can best aid you in finding the counsel of God. Since the Lord cares deeply about your emotional and spiritual pain, He will hear and answer.

In addition to the Bible and prayer, your guidance may come through obvious sources such as your minister or another member of the wonderful support group called the Family of God. Other times, if you are sensitive to His leading, God may find less obvious ways to supply it.

The counsel of the Lord is exactly what God intends for the church to provide. In fact, if you listen carefully, you will find every Spirit-directed church service contributes toward revealing the master plan God has for your life.

Before seeking counsel, examine your motive. Are you really willing to accept the counsel of the Lord and obey what God says, or are you looking for a convenient alternative? Are you truly open to God’s resolution to your problem? If you can answer these questions affirmatively, you can count on the Lord having a perfect source of help for you to find His overcoming grace.

Darrel Lee is Superintendent General of the Apostolic Faith Church and pastor of the headquarters church in Portland, Oregon.