What is Biblical Counseling?

Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV) Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

In today’s high pressure world, people crash and burn emotionally for lots of reasons. Keeping on top can be very difficult. Most often, a short break from the normal routine allows you to reboot and recharge. Vacations, weekend get a-ways, or simply a good book can do wonders. However there are those times when our problems grow beyond our limited knowledge base, elevating our stress to critical levels. In those times, we need to be able to turn to someone for help; a counselor with a fresh perspective and real solutions.

Psalms 1:1- 2(NKJV) Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.

Depression affects over 14 million Americans. That is a bunch of folks feeling low. Some, who deal with depression, have some sort of physical or chemical deficiency ranging from severe to mild and must turn to a medical professional for help. Disorders like Bipolar require real medical attention. The best advice anyone can give to these folks is, go see a doctor now.

Then there are people who simply need to make some smart decisions. When it comes time to seek advice, I turn to someone I respect and trust, like my pastor or my closest Christian friends. I am looking for someone who knows the Bible well and can give me biblically sound advice.It is important that the one I seek counsel from is a Christian who has enough life experiences to prove their wisdom. This would be true weather I was seeking advice for something as serious as manic depression or as small as my taxes. I want biblical counseling.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NKJV) All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

What is Biblical Counseling?

Biblical Counsel or advice based on principles found in the bible, will at the very least, face our problems with the understanding that man is born evil, and must be taught to be good. Biblical counseling will advise that because of sin, we are totally self absorbed and must have our minds renewed and transformed not washed or conformed. (Romans 12: 2) It recognizes the existence of God and that the Bible is His Word. It will seek repentance and forgiveness and will help you better understand God.

A biblical counselor is someone who can help you understand God’s Word as it relates to your problems. He/she will help you consider Godly solutions. They will confront you with the reality of your sin and then comfort you with the grace of God. They won’t let you blame your parents for all your problems and they will not justify Guilt by making you a victim. They will expect you to forgive first and then will pray with you as you ask God to forgive you. Biblical counseling will not point you toward self realization; it will point you toward Christ. It will not work on your self-esteem but your Christ-esteem.

John 10:10 (NKJV) The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.

How do you know if the Counseling you received is Biblical and rock solid. When you take it of the drawing board and apply it to your life’s problem, it will bring life more abundantly. May your journey from depression become joyful as you seek Him who created you. Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Psalm 139:14 (NKJV) I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well.