Faith Filled Family Magazine August 2016 | Page 91

In preparation for her visit, I got out my textbooks on crises counseling and the like reading selected segments. (There is a place for that kind of counseling, but this wasn’t it.) and God doesn’t follow a cookie cutter approach all the time. Sometimes I find it helpful to answer some questions after I’ve written the facts, or what I’ve observed. Then, I’ll write what I The lady arrived at office, we interpret is going on. Sometimes exchanged greetings and intro- I’ll answer the question, “What ductions, and she sat down and would you have done differunloaded all that was on her ently?” Or, “What would a perfect mind. Occasionally, she’d say solution look like.” I’ve also used something like, “Oh that makes applicable scripture passages sense now.” I was eager to be and then answered the question, the wise, brilliant, counselor, I “What is God showing me in this thought I needed to be, but could passage.” never get a word in. After about an hour, she stood up and said, The third—and most impor“Oh, thank you pastor, you’ve tant—step is one I learn from a been most helpful,” and disap- good friend, and fellow clergy peared out the door, she needed member, when I was going a listener and in the process through a tough time. As I said answered her own questions. earlier, when seeking counsel, it is important to have a non-judgSo don’t feel silly, if you answer mental ear. It’s also important to all of your questions when you choose someone who holds us hear them being laid out in an accountable too. organized fashion. There is something about opening up This confidant of mine was such and sharing with someone that a person. Before our session seems to organize our thoughts ended, he asked me this: “I hear and help us see the problem differently. I’ve also found that writing in a journal helps to put things into perspective. You might want to write the story down to get the facts down on paper. Then, you’ll want to write your thoughts and reaction to those facts. Often, my pen takes over—supernaturally it seems—and before I know it, I have written some reflective insight that reveals a lot about my situation. Often, scripture verses come to mind, or applicable biblical stories. This might work for you too, but don’t be discouraged if it doesn’t, we’re all different in many ways your pain and confusion, but I have to ask you, ‘where is God in all this?’” I had forgotten one of the basics of the Christian faith, “Seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. My problems had overshadowed my thinking, and crowded out my prayer life. I realized I wasn’t in the Word anymore. My prayer life had resorted to on my knees begging, but not seeking to be led by the Spirit or listening for that ‘still small voice.’ Psalm 37:1-7 “Fret not yourself because of evildoers; be not envious of wrongdoers! For they will soon fade like the grass and wither like the green herb. Trust in the Lord, and do good; dwell in the land and befriend faithfulness, Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth