Wonderful Counselor - Part 1

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6

Long ago, when my kids were very little, I went through a season of depression and self-doubt. My husband encouraged me to seek counseling to resolve whatever it was that kept me from seeing the blessings in my life (He didn't say it quite like that, but it is what he meant). I resisted at first, then finally, I agreed to go. I called several counselors, basically interviewing them for the opportunity to help me :). Then I picked the one who seemed nice.

Counseling day came, and I waited in the lobby, palms sweaty, heart thumping. Would I really swallow my pride and open my heart to this lady?

I did open up - at least the best I could. I answered her questions about my own childhood, my hurts and disappointments, my unresolved anger... you know. She listened. Then she told me I was abused and I had to admit it. She encouraged me to go home, look in the mirror and admit that I was a victim and that my parents messed up.

Oh how thankful I am that God was with me then. I knew, with absolute certainty, that while my parents made some choices I wouldn't make as a parent, that they loved (still do) love me. Our communication may have been a little off at times, but never, never, never did my parents "abuse" me.

I cried that whole drive home, exploded through the front door and vowed never to seek counseling again. (NOTE: I have a social work degree. I believe that counseling can make a huge difference in a person's life. I would go - now - if I needed it. I'm over the temper tantrum.)

How about you? As you look ahead to this Christmas, do the disappointments from your childhood creep up, stealing your joy? Has your life changed, through divorce or the death of a loved one, leaving you feeling empty and unable to enjoy it? Or maybe your finances are a wreck - the economy may be bouncing back, but not yet for you?

God sent his Son, Jesus, to be our Wonderful Counselor. In the original Greek, Wonderful Counselor means too-amazing-for-words advisor. (That's a loose translation, but you get the idea). Imagine having a "spiritual advisor" who is too amazing for words. Jesus knows you (Hebrews 4:15). He cares for you. (1 Peter 5:7). You matter to Him (Luke 15:3). Everything you are going through, He already knows. He is waiting for you to ask Him to help you through it. Will you let Him?

Thank you, God, for sending us your son that very first Christmas to be our Wonderful Counselor. When I struggle, help me remember - like you did when I got that bad advice - that I can overcome my fears, my hurts, and my pain, if I will turn to you. Thank you for your incredible love. Amen