For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
(Isaiah 9:6 NKJV)
Consider this your reminder; you have an appointment with Jesus – right now! We see this familiar verse on Christmas cards. Today we’re only looking at two words: Wonderful Counselor.
Many years ago, I was seeing a counselor. Depression consumed me and I hoped my prodigal would return and we could receive counseling together. We talked for forty-five minutes, but it took another forty-five minutes to get ready, go to her office, and return home. That’s ninety minutes. Have I ever prayed that long? Probably not at one time, but what if I prayed for thirty minutes three times a day?
I’m not knocking good Christian counselors. Sometimes we need them, but do we go to Jesus first?
He is our Wonderful Counselor. The word “wonderful” connotes the idea of amazement or marvel. Something mind-boggling. Jesus understands us better than we know ourselves. Fully God and fully man.
When we are racked with anxiety, Jesus gets us because He agonized in the Garden of Gethsemane. When we face rejection, Jesus gets us because He was rejected by His own.
That human counselor might not know how it feels to battle depression. They might not know the sting of rejection, but Jesus does.
Jesus alone has the power to heal our pain. To bind up the wounds of our broken hearts. He frees us from the prisons of loneliness. He makes broken people whole again.
We don’t have to call ahead for an appointment with Jesus. He is available 24/7. If we desperately need Him on Wednesday, we don’t have to wait until our Friday appointment.He invites me into His throne room any day and everyday. If I need Him on Wednesday , I don’t have to wait until my Friday appointment. J
So, what’s wrong? We have access to our Wonderful Counselor at all times. Why aren’t we handling life better? Why does anxiety overtake us?
I have found that I fail to go to Jesus when I need Him. His door stands open, but I get busy with life. When depression looms over me, I have a pity party. Yes, I hate the misery, but depression has a way of making us self-centered. Friend, I speak from the heart, we must spend more time with Jesus.
How we spend that time is also important. I’m a stickler for my Bible study regiment. If I’m studying the book of Revelation, and I am struggling that day, I might not hear from God like I need to. I must give myself permission to retreat from my routine study so His words of Comfort can reach the depths of my crushed spirit.
Friend, when I spend quality time with Jesus, He speaks to me. He directs me. He is a divine counselor with all the answers. The Prince of Peace gives me His peace. He strengthens me because He is Almighty God.
If I need to receive from Jesus, I must remain with Jesus.
If your heart is heavy, go to Jesus. Spend time alone with Him and with His Word. He truly is our amazing Counselor who blows our minds.
Lord Jesus, I need Your counsel today. I feel insecure in this crazy world. I need You to direct me in the path I should go. I need to feel your joy in the midst of sorrow. In Jesus’ name, amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
Do you have a special place for prayer? Do you set aside time for Jesus and guard it from interruptions?
RELATED RESOURCE
I share about my battles with depression, fear, worry, and anxiety in Eyes of Faith: Winning the Battle Between Our Feelings and Our Faith. Learn more here.
Originally posted on August 10, 2020 @ 3:15 am