Daily Devotional, October 19, 2023 Wonderful Counselor

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." Psalm 32:8

The word “guidance” is almost always positive. It means getting advice and helpful information in tackling a given issue. However, when spoken within the confines of a school, the word “guidance” suddenly turns into a terrifying one-word phrase, which usually meant scolding from both a school authority, and then later on by parents.  

Guidance counselors are usually stereotyped as a feisty ladies that breaks school fights, disciplines children, and puts school bullies where they belong. In truth though, most guidance counselors I have met can do all that without being the mean “minchin” children are scared of. School guidance counselors I have came across with both in my student and adult life were wonderful people. They usually majored in behavioral psychology, and try to understand little, immature humans the best way they can so that they turn out better adults when the time comes.

There is one Wonderful Counselor though who has been with us since day one. Whose wisdom is boundless and unfathomable. Whose guidance is never condescending, and does not illicit fear. He is fatherly when it comes to graciousness and mercy, mighty as the best protector ever, and his insights can never be rivaled. “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” (Luke 9:6)

As Christians, we are being offered wisdom and guidance throughout our lives. In his letter to the Twelve Tribes, St. James assures us that we can ask the Lord for guidance: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you,” (James 1:5). He goes on to say that the wisdom given by the Lord will guide us in the correct path: “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere,” (James 3:17).

When we need guidance, or help in making decisions and crucial choices in our life, let us not make the mistake of leaning on just the people around us. Yes, they may help through their experiences, but nothing compares to the guidance being offered to us by the Lord. Let us heed His counsel, because only He could lead us to the right decisions, and in righteous paths: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths,” Proverbs 3:5-6.

So how do we seek God’s guidance? Well, we should start building a personal relationship with Him. Have intentional quiet time or prayer the first hour of your mornings. Spend time reading His word, and meditate on them. Seek to expand your knowledge of Him, His character and His ways by joining bible studies and worshiping Him with fellow believers every Sunday. They say that us praying is talking to God, and we reading the bible and spending time to know about him more is Him talking to us. Soon if we intentionally put God as the center in our life, we will habitually seek Him as we make decisions on our life — both big and small.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to ponder on 2 Timothy 3:16-17 and Isaiah 11:1-5 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: Do you depend on the Lord for wisdom? What guidance do you need from Him today?

Conversation with the Lord: Lord Jesus Christ, thank you for offering your guidance and wisdom to us. Teach us to fully trust and rely on you for every choice that we make, and decision we undertake so that we can live a life that is pleasing to you. Amen