Blending the practical with the spiritual

“Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in a multitude of counselors there is safety.”

— Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)

Back in the 1980s, I went through a heartbreaking experience of a divorce after 15 years of marriage.

I had always wanted a marriage that lasted as the vows say, “Until death do us part.” But for various reasons, mine didn’t work out that way.

Oh, I tried my best. But sometimes, it seems, your best just isn’t good enough.

In the wake of my emotional struggles, I felt ashamed and embarrassed, I needed some support and direction to help me through. My friend suggested I go for counseling, adding that, due to my faith, I should see a Christian counselor. I didn’t know there was such a thing.

Since I was the kind who liked to be challenged and grow, I enjoyed going to friends, family and mentors to discuss my problems as well as reading books and articles to learn what I could. So, I contemplated the advice of my friend and checked with my insurance to see if therapy was covered. When I discovered it was, I decided this was God directing my path.

Years later, I am a fan of the mix of therapy and theology. So much so, that when I life coach or write, I like to blend the practical therapeutic principles with the spiritual theological insights.

Christian counselors believe that the Scriptures provide the essence of the direction of one’s path to abundant life. Over the years, I have found that to be true.

The spiritual counsel provided by Bible passages are all we need to bring us enlightenment and wisdom.

A wonderful passage of Scripture informs us, “But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things (John 14:26).

We can find it helpful to add Bible reading to our therapy to be sure we are being led by the Holy Spirit. Many times, I discovered new insights, specific for me, that were beyond that which my counselor provided.

Certain passages in the Psalms are comforting when we are down. When making a decision, Proverbs can be helpful.

There’s been times I have found other passages in the Bible speak to my circumstances, as if God was directly speaking to me.

I am glad that God doesn’t look down on us seeking the counsel of others, for I still find when we are stuck and in need of an extra push or just a listening ear, a tangible counselor, life coach, pastor or friend may be just the added therapy that we need.

Annettee Budzban is a Christian author. speaker, life coach, writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.