Where do we turn when we need advice? Where do we go for counsel? How can I find clear direction for my journey through this pilgrimage? When major questions come in life about what to do, where do we turn? Do we run to friends, co-workers, family, and to counselors in search of an answer? We want to sort through the possibilities to make the best choice. We want to know what direction we should take on this journey of life. If we turn to scripture we can see that there are three counselors which we should avoid and there is a principle we should follow if we want clear direction and even become the light that guides others toward Christ.
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HOW DO I FIND CLEAR DIRECTION? WHERE DO I SEEK COUNSEL?
PSALM 1
1 Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.
2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.
3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.
So, what are we to avoid?
1. We should avoid seeking advice from anyone that is not a Christian. We, as Christians, may need advice from time to time; but we should be cautious to seek it only from other believers.
2. Neither should we spend all our free time hanging out with sinners. Yes, I know Jesus hung out with sinners and we are to go "into the entire world to teach the gospel". We are to be witnesses to the world. Yet, if I start hanging out at "the local pub" when I need a friend; most likely, it is I who will be the one influenced by the crowd more than I will influence the crowd. Look at the phrasing of the verse, "standeth in the way of the sinner". This implies joining in. We are underestimating our own sin nature if we don’t realize that we become influenced by what we allow into our minds.
3. Don’t hang out with mournful, bitter people. Yes, again we may go in as the counselor; but, people who are bitter and angry with life are very good at drawing you into their world of disillusionment.
Well, you might say, you just eliminated everyone I know and most of what I see on TV and the Internet. So, am I to become a hermit living in the woods? How can I be a light to the world if I am avoiding everything of the world? This is where the fine distinction comes as we move on to verse 2. In what do we delight? We delight in the Word of God. If we are to find balance and to live in this world; we need to take the time to read our Bible, to study God’s word and to spend time with God both day and night. We should begin our day with God and end our day with God. We need to memorize scripture, so that throughout the day as needed to face whatever obstacle; the Holy Spirit is able to bring that scripture to mind to guide us. What is the promise to us if we do? That we will be blessed, will stand strong with our roots grounded in truth, will be fruitful-leading others to Christ, will not wither away into depression, and will prosper in all that we do. The faith, hope, love and joy of God will fill our hearts and minds so that we will be able to see the world differently as C.S. Lewis wrote: "I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else." We will find clear direction throughout this journey and know which road to take.
All we need to do is to like the song, go to God and ask Him to "Help Me Find It"
© 2014 Effie Darlene Barba
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to any brands, products or services that I have mentioned with the exception of my own book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides regarding the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”