A.W. Tozer once said, “There’s scarcely anything so dull and meaningless as Bible doctrine taught for its own sake. Truth divorced from life is not truth in its biblical sense but something else and something less. Theological truth is useless until it is obeyed.”
Truth divorced from life is not truth in its biblical sense but something else and something less.
I thought of this quote today as I read Isaiah 9:6 which tells us that among other things, Jesus is our “Wonderful Counselor.” Yes, I believe that as a theological truth, but does my life show that? When I need wisdom to make a decision, I find myself calling my mom or one of my sisters-in-law, texting a trusted friend, or asking my Bible study leader and good friend for advice and help. While all of these are great places to go for help and clarity, I wonder if my behavior aligns with this great theological truth: Jesus is my “Wonderful Counselor.” Do I really believe this?
A quick Google search tells me that 42 million Americans, about thirty percent, now receive counseling. So this shows us that it is a common and accepted practice in our culture. And while I’m a supporter of counseling, I also wonder, how many Christians inquire of the Lord first before they make an appointment with a counselor? Most importantly, do I inquire of the Lord Jesus first?
While I’m a supporter of counseling, I also wonder, how many Christians inquire of the Lord first before they make an appointment with a counselor?
Ask yourself today, “Can I take my question to the foot of the cross where all sorrow and suffering and sin have already been dealt with?” The answer is yes. Yes, you can take everything to the foot of the cross. Jesus is offering to be our Wonderful Counselor.
Let’s take a look at what God’s word says about this topic. Psalm 16:7 says, “I will bless the LORD who has given me counsel (NKJV).” David was testifying here that the Lord had been (past tense) faithful to give him wisdom and counsel. And if you know David’s story, he faced some pretty tough situations.
And again in Psalm 32:8, we read, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you (NIV).
What amazing promises. The Lord promises to counsel us, to instruct us, to teach us in the way that we should go. And no one in the world can fully understand all that we are going through or all that is behind a decision that we must make. I find that as I grow older, in a many-faceted situation with many people to consider, decisions become harder and harder as I do my best to wisely guide my children. And there are just not enough hours in the day or words in our vocabulary to describe and explain all that must be considered. Decisions such as moves, job changes, and college choices all carry so much weight. Do you feel this, too?
But Jesus knows! He knows every feeling and every hurt. He knows every detail and desire, and as Psalm 32 tells us not only does He teach us the way to go, but He counsels us with His “loving eye (NIV). He wants what is best for us and can see ten steps ahead to know which way to guide us to go. He instructs us through the lens of love.
Elisabeth Elliot once said that whenever she was asked to provide counsel for anyone, she first asked, “Have you spent one solid hour on your knees at the foot of the cross before you start frantically asking advice from other people? You know, you might save endless time and a whole lot of money.” Wow. When was the last time I spent one solid hour on my knees asking the Lord for guidance?
So today, I’m asking myself and I’m asking you, when faced with a problem or a question, do we put our belief that Jesus is our Wonderful Counselor into practice? Do we ask Him for advice and wisdom before going to family, friends, or even professional counseling? I am encouraged so much by this verse, Psalm 62:8, which says, “Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us (NKJV).” I am compelled to pour out my heart and turn to my Wonderful Counselor because I, like David so many years ago, can testify as well that He has shown me the way of life and given me joy in His presence (Psalm 16:11) so many times before.
- Tozer, A. W. 1960. Of God and Men. Harrisburg, PA: Christian Publications. https://www.bible-researcher.com/tozer2.html.
- “The Wonderful Counselor.” The Elisabeth Elliot Foundation. July 14, 2024. Video, 0:02:46, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=moMMeOGBqH0.
Author Info
Annie Boyd
Annie Boyd is a co-founder and contributor at The Gingham Apron, an online place of encouragement and inspiration. She is the co-author of The Gathering Table: Growing Strong Relationships through Food, Faith, and Hospitality. Annie lives in southern California with her family, enjoying both the mountains and beaches.