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.