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