Good Counselors (2)

To go forward in recovery we must find new direction for our lives, new ways of responding to issues, and new guidelines for making decisions. 

Our old pattern of thinking and behaving brought us to where we are today.  As we establish new and healthy principles and actions based on God’s Word, God will support us through the power of His Holy Spirit.  He will also put us in the way of human counselors and trustworthy people who are walking with Him.  We certainly need help from people who continue to walk the path that remains unfamiliar to us.  Through sharing our life’s stories, these people will inspire us to receive healing for past traumas that hinder our recovery. They will also have worthwhile suggestions on how to cope with the changes we need to make.

The Bible says, Where there is no counsel, the people fall: but in the multitude of counselors there is safety. (Proverbs 11:14 NKJV) 

When we surround ourselves with wise, dependable counselors, we are building a solid foundation for recovery.  Good counsel can come from many sources:  the Bible, pastors, friends who know and live for God, or books and media that honour the truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.  It may also come from a professional Christian counselor who understands addiction and recovery. Also, knowledgeable people we encounter on our journey may encourage us by sharing the Godly wisdom they received when dealing with issues similar to those we are currently experiencing.

Two are better off than one, because together they can work more effectively.  If one of them falls down the other can help him up.  But if someone is alone … there is no one to help him … Two men can resist an attack that would defeat one man alone.  (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 GNT)

We need help from everyone who can enlarge our vision and broaden our perspective.  We need to share honestly about the temptations we are experiencing. The family of believers understands temptation for they continue to experience it.  We are not unique! We need to pay attention to what God and others are saying to us.  We need to respond in humility to honest feedback others are giving us, and foundational to all other counsel, we need to seek the Holy Spirit who will guide us into all truth.  

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