Most of us have great difficulty asking for counsel … especially from the Lord. Why we continue to do this, when we have our experience from the times we didn’t turn to Him, remains mystifying. Unfortunately, we still seem to pursue this self-defeating behavior – to our own pain and hurt. Why? Primarily because we trust in our own understanding – this can and often does prove disastrous. Quick example: In Joshua 9: 14-15 we see that though God had warned Joshua and the people about making alliances. With little thought, Joshua made peace and a covenant with a wily and crafty people that turned out to be their problem for generations. It had seemed proper and right – in their own thinking. Not!
Part of the problem in not seeking counsel is the ripple effect it has on those around us who are also effected by our ‘choices’. Rarely does anything happen in a vacuum. Rarely will our decisions not also effect others. But for some reason we act as if it’s all about us and we’re the only one involved. So what’s so wrong with seeking counsel? Nowhere does it state that we shouldn’t use common sense in choosing those we seek the counsel. And we don’t have to accept the counsel given. Proverbs probably gives us the best advice when it tells us that in the multitude of counselors there is safety(Proverbs 11:15, 15:22). Besides, if we rely only on our own understanding then we are limiting our options.
Counsel, whether giving or seeking, is only one part in our option planning. Sometimes others’ opinions lead you into knowing what you would never do – and that’s valuable too. Sometimes it seems like it unlocks a door to a different way of conceptualizing (fill in the blank). Counsel does not need to be viewed negatively, as a statement that we don’t know what to do. Counsel, in my opinion, should be viewed as another tool in your decision making process.
I’ve learned that when I involve the Lord in the beginning of my process of/to (fill in the blank) then I don’t need to run to Him as panicked in the ‘help’ stage. When it’s in the clean-up stage, there’s not as much of an opportunity for creativity. Bottom line for me is that His counsel is always true… and good… and available. Prayer is the activity, for me, that is my method of seeking counsel. Scripture also provides answers to how I go about doing what I do.
