Don’t be afraid to seek the counsel of others

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

— Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)

There's been times in my life when I had difficulty either making a decision or feeling good about the decision I had made. You know life can get tricky when raising kids, working a job, or handling a relationship.

Oh, I tried my best to make decisions myself, or feel good about the decisions I made. But sometimes, it seems your best just isn’t good enough or you don't quite trust yourself.

In the wake of my emotional struggles, I felt ashamed and embarrassed. I needed support and direction to help me through. My friend suggested I go for counseling — specifically a Christian counselor. At the time, 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 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 bring us enlightenment. And the mixture of Scripture with life experience adds practical guidance 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, by doing so, I discovered new insights that were specific for me, beyond what my counselor provided.

Certain passages in the Psalms are comforting when we are down. When making a decision the wisdom in 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. I still find when we are stuck and need an extra push or just need 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 of the book “Letters To A Friend,” speaker, life and writing coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com.