THURSDAY JANUARY 21, 2010
“Needs” is an interesting concept, depending on whom or which culture you might talk to. There are all kinds of needs that we claim are ours. We differentiate between physical and spiritual needs and prioritize each according to our perceived need at the moment. But if we biblically examine the concept of needs our spiritual needs will always top our physical needs (Luke 9:23-25). Whatever you believe the greatest need mankind has, only God can satisfy it. Our intention here at BCC is to point you to the only God who can and does meet needs.
Our desire for those who seek counseling and counseling training is for all to marvel at our great God and to want to adore Him (Ps 27:4). Nothing can compare with Him (Ps 40:5). He is better than any relationship (Mt 12:46-50), any possession (Prv 15:16), or any state of mind (Php 4:4-9). He is our greatest need, and He alone can fully satisfy our souls. He graciously gives us all things, so we may rest in Him from our striving for what we think we need at the moment. In turn we will be His ambassadors speaking His message of hope to one another (2Cor 5:14-21).
This is the Mended Lives focus for 2010. God is the heart for all of life, which includes Biblical counseling.
Scott (pseudonym) lacks assurance that he is saved. He received practical biblical counsel from family and friends to confess his sins, ask forgiveness of those he has hurt, read his Bible daily, pray and joined a small group. However, his doubts persist.
Mark and Angie (pseudonyms) struggle in their relationship. Each blames the other for the mess of their marriage. Anger and distrust characterize this Christian couple. Mark has been counseled to read books on being a biblical husband and Angie has been advised to do the same for being a godly wife. Still they point a critical finger at the other when they see failure in one another.
In each case the counsel given wasn’t necessarily wrong or inappropriate, but it didn’t accomplish the intended goal – to see and savor Christ. While uncovering idolatry is a priority because a person won’t change unless he sees his enslavement, to see and marvel at God’s beauty develops hearts devoted to Christ that support lasting change.
What is the heart of your counsel? Out of the overflow of a heart a mouth speaks. How marvelous are your thoughts of Him? A. W. Tozer said the most important thing about any man is not what he says or does, but what he thinks about God, because God is the heart of all life. Our understanding of God determines how we counsel. Our words and actions directly reflect our appreciation and awe of God (cf. Ps 139:17-24; 2Cor 5:12-21).
What would be your objective for counseling Scott?
If it is to help him overcome his doubts by explaining the doctrines of salvation and assurance, your efforts are compassionate, but shortsighted. Assurance is based upon the character of God, Who is merciful, loving, and gracious toward His people who are helpless (Rom 8). If Scott does not grasp how awesome yet personal God is, he will be left with his same thoughts about God that has gotten him into this mess.
If your objective for counseling Mark and Angie is to help them to live at peace in their respective roles as husband and wife, your counsel is appropriate but puts the cart before the horse. Mark and Angie must first see that Christ is their future and eternal Husband (Eph 5:25-32). With that in view they can help one another prepare for that eternal wedding day (Col 1:28-29; Eph 4:12-16). Our own desire for God must guide our counsel, not merely our ability to practically apply Scripture.
Reflecting on the times
Stress is a good thing. Pressure squeezes out the idols that we cling to and makes us realize how derelict we are for trusting in a powerless, inanimate thing. However, when we are hard pressed and cling to the Savior, we see how God reveals His faithfulness to us. Consider Hebrews 11 as a reference for how saints trusted the promises of God even in trying times.
God is faithful and the evidence is in our personal history. By looking backward we see how God has been faithful to us, always faithful and always will be (Ps 36:5; 40:10-11). When we remember His faithfulness it should warm our hearts with confidence, courage, and love (Ps 139:1-18). This must be the basis for our counsel to others, speaking hope to those who are distracted by problems or confused regarding Who God really is in character and faithfulness.
Take the time to reflect on one of your most difficult situations in light of Psalm 139. Pray and ask for the Spirit to remind you once again on how He sustained you through it all. Then pray and give thanks for His steadfast love. Your meditations will turn into awesome wonder and your life and counsel will grow in dependence on Him.
– Jeff Temple | 
