I've spent many years attempting to rely on myself to solve my problems. Those years proved time and again I am not in control, but I still continued to believe I could do it all myself. I have learned I must seek wise counsel to help me with the issues of life.
Recovery was the first time I realized I needed others in my life to speak truth. I needed a community of people who had the experience to show me I had not done very well on my own. I needed a wise counselor—someone who could give me wisdom and instruction from God's word.
A wise counselor is not necessarily a therapist, psychiatrist, or other mental health professional. While those are important to have during certain seasons of life, we also need close people in our lives who can share our burdens. People to help along our journey of recovery.
Going through recovery can be challenging at times. We need the gift of community to know we are not alone in our struggles. The book of Proverbs, written primarily by King Solomon, gives us direction about seeking wise counsel.
“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, But he who walks wisely will be delivered.”
Proverbs 28:26
This particular verse says it all. I can see how trusting in my own heart has led to foolish decisions. I've made harmful choices in relationships because I followed my heart. I've made incorrect decisions in career because I followed my own desires. Can you relate?
Proverbs 19:21 shows me how God's plans will prevail over any plans I may have. I must be able to seek the Lord's guidance in my planning and know ultimately, His plans come before mine. He works everything according to what is best for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Seek wise counsel and the Lord's plans will stand
The world tells us to follow our heart to make our plans, but the Bible teaches to seek wise counsel and the Lord's plans will stand. May we remember this as we continue to travel along our journey of recovery.
Join me next week as we start the next series for Step Six, I Am Loved, Flaws and All!
Think About It:
Do you rely on yourself alone to make your decisions? How?
How many "heart" choices have you made in the last week? month? year?
Do you seek wisdom from a fellow believer in your life? Why or why not?
Download the May Reading Plan© (subscriber password required) and Read Proverbs 28:26, Proverbs 19:21, Jeremiah 29:11, and Proverbs 1:7.
Journal About it:
Follow along in the My Journey Journal© (subscriber password required) and write about how the questions and scriptures today resonated with you. As you write, thank Him for showing you the way in your journey.
Pray About it:
As you think and write, say this prayer with me.
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the plans you have for me. I may not know what they are but I am assured they are what is best for me. I trust you and your wise counsel to provide what I need. Thank you for providing me someone to mentor me and help to guide my way along my journey of recovery.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.
Talk About it:
I would love to hear from you! I enjoy connecting and keeping in touch. Do you feel as though you don’t have anyone you can share with confidentially? Your anonymity is protected. Do you feel you are the only one struggling with the aftereffects of growing up with an alcoholic parent? YOU are not alone! It’s time to break free from the shackles of your controlling habits, trust issues, co-dependency, guilt, self-blame, hurts, regrets, and heartaches! Your NEW Normal starts NOW!
Go to the next post in the series.
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