Devotionals by Dave and Ann Wilson

I Need Counseling
By James Metsger

There are two kinds of people in the world: People who see a counselor and those who should.

I’m a pastor in the former category. I’ve been seeing a counselor for years. It’s one of the best decisions I’ve made for myself and my marriage.

Here’s why it helps—and why you should go, too.

I need a listening ear—preferably from someone I don’t feel pressure to win over.

I don’t care if you’re as tough as a $2 steak or as tender as a newborn baby. We all want to be heard and understood.

I need help. I have blind spots: character traits and personality quirks plain to others—especially my spouse!

I need someone to lovingly tell me I have something in my teeth or my fly is down, physically or otherwise.

And even though it shouldn’t be the case, sometimes it helps when that person isn’t the one I eat, parent, and sleep with.

I need godly wisdom. I don’t need someone to beat me up with the Bible. I do need someone who’s experienced God's grace and mercy, lovingly offering me what only God provides.

This takes more than an understanding of Freud. It takes wisdom from the Father.

I’m just not smart enough to figure out life, or marriage, on my own. I need godly voices speaking into my life. So do you.

I need to know I’m not alone. C.S. Lewis once wrote, “Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: ‘What! You, too? I thought I was the only one!’”

I need a reminder I’m not crazy. It’s comforting to know I’m not the only one. In my need and desperation, I’m amongst friends.

Maybe you need that reminder today, too.

Does your marriage need counseling? Read more on evaluating the help you may need.

The Good Stuff: Without counsel plans fail, but with many advisers they succeed. (Prov 15:22)

Action Points: Make an appointment with a Christian counselor. If you don’t know who to call, talk to your local church pastor and ask for a reference.

Visit the FamilyLife® Website