& Christian Clinical Counselling
Ahaziah hardly had a chance. He had a not-so-nice mother – downright nasty. When he came to the throne in 2Chronicles 22, he was 42 years old.
He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother (Athaliah) was his counsellor in doing wickedly. 2Chronicles 22:3
It seems Ahaziah was surrounded by the wicked counsellors of Ahab, contributing to his downfall.
The proverb says: “in a multitude of counsellors there is safety” … but only if I have God-fearing, spiritual counsellors who have my best interests at heart. So who are the major influencers in my life? What about your life?
Sometimes we can surround ourselves with ‘nice’ friends and confidantes with similar interests and with personalities that mesh. But as we move into 2022, let’s reflect on whether our group of friends, associates and comrades are helping or hindering our spiritual progress. Are their attitudes, activities, and advice influencing me for good and God’s glory? Am I more inclined to have desires to follow Christ more closely after I have been around them for a while?
There is a Counsellor above all others.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
In Romans 11:33, Paul seemed overwhelmed as he thought about the infinite wisdom of the Eternal God. He exclaimed:
Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways! “For who has known the mind of the Lord, or who has been His counsellor?” Romans 11:33-34
A Christian has the best of all counsellors. We have a counsellor who doesn’t need Himself to be counselled. Unlike us, He was never broken by sin. All other counsellors have experienced that brokenness.
Child of God, your Wonderful Counsellor, is available to you 24/7, and He never sends you an automated response: “Gone on vacation!” He is constantly on duty and will give you as much time as you need. He can sympathize with your weaknesses. If you read Hebrews 4:15 carefully, you will learn that your Wonderful Counsellor has a heart. He’s sensitive to your circumstances and the frailties of you being a human. You can dump out your troubles to this Wonderful Counsellor, and He won’t rush you. He won’t glance at His watch and try to wind down the conversation, so He can grab a coffee before the next appointment. You can take as long as you want, come as often as you want and be as candid as you want. He will be there to help and strengthen you or correct your thinking and guide you along the right path.
Clinical Counselling
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Notwithstanding the above, there are times when good Christians (adolescents, young, middle-aged and seniors) need to see a clinical counsellor and seek professional clinical help – just as they would seek out a physician for pneumonia, cancer or cardiovascular problems – or an Emergency Department for something deemed critical. Someone reading this Bible Bite may be there now. Here are some possible professional Christian resources for you. If they can’t provide assistance, they will be able to point you to someone who can. Obviously, this is not an exhaustive list.
Focus on the Family Counselling Referrals
Josh Smith Also take time to read Josh’s seven short posts entitled: Suicide Risk in the Christian Church
Email me privately if you are aware of others who provide Christian counselling services that have been helpful to people you know.
Before I conclude, let’s circle back to the Wonderful Counsellor. James G. Small had personal dealings with this Wonderful Counsellor prompting him to write this old hymn:
I’ve found a Friend; O such a Friend!
So kind, and true and tender,
So wise a Counsellor and Guide
So mighty a Defender.
From Him, who loves me now so well,
What power my soul can sever?
Shall life? or death? shall earth? or hell?
No! I am His forever!
When was your last appointment with this Wonderful Counsellor? Let’s all check in with our Counsellor today.
Walk carefully and closely with the Lord today.
Warmly in Christ,
Peter Ramsay
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Hi Peter,
Do you know if any good Christian counseling services in Charlottetown or summerside?
I know of someone who really could use one.
One possibility is Dwight Ingersoll in the Cornwall, PEI area. I have never met him but another Christian I respect said his family found him very helpful. http://pathwaycounsellingpei.ca/dwight_d_ingersoll.htm