Counselor

How could I have realized, as I preached “Fearfully and Wonderfully” on the first Sunday of the New Year, that I was actually downloading the prophetic intimation for 2020? With each unfolding day, I see the true power of the Holy Spirit ordering that moment. This fills me with delight, despite current circumstances! “Greater is He that is within me”; and I should have more confidence in that fact. It often takes the luxury of serious distance to comprehend how deeply imbedded our Wonderful Counselor actually is in the most intricate workings of soul and spirit.

Well, we’ve witnessed the fearfully part, but we’re still waiting to experience the wonderful breakthroughs! The truth is we’re desperate for wisdom and counsel at supernatural levels. There’s not a hope that human skill, wisdom or even ingenuity will be able to navigate us through this current impasse. There, however, silver-linings, anointings specifically available for those who will press in and seek them. The Lord loves nothing better than when we seek His face for life’s ridiculous challenges and dead-end cul-de-sacs, remember?

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberallyand without reproach, and it will be given to him. James 1:2-5 NKJV

As a Christian, when it finally dawns on you that you no longer have to carry the burden of what you know, and what you don’t know, it’s an excellent advancement. We are now tapped into an unlimited treasure of wisdom and knowledge. “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16) and He is ready to generously share His thoughts with us. Not only that, but as He promised, His Holy Spirit is a constant guide, advocate, companion and defender. The Kingdom of God may be simple, but it is not simplistic. This is not, after all, an intellectual journey, but a spiritual one. You’re going to need a guide, and the Holy Spirit is the finest you could desire.

Remember the astonishment you felt when you asked the Lord a question, and somehow, despite your ignorance of both life in the Spirit and Scripture, He was able to unmistakably convey an answer? With time, your common ground of communication slowly grew. Can you recall how He taught you simple doctrines, speaking new potentialities over you and warning about dangers?

All this free time we’re currently juggling is a little unnerving. Wouldn’t you love a good, face-to-face with the Lord to get His perspective on our current crisis? Personally, I’d like to shoot out a few questions and nail down some directives! It may sound stupid, but here are a few of our unspoken ponderings. What am I supposed to be doing right now Lord? What are the priorities of this crazy, rest-imposed season of quarantine? How can this be a productive time that fulfills your promises over the year? How is all of this going to turn out? How are you going to use this to re-shape the world?

While Covid19 days are challenging and disorienting, we don’t need to feel overwhelmed. The wisdom we require we need only ask for. Just a disclaimer: you may ask as many questions as you desire, but you may not get the answers ahead of their time. Why? One of the first, and most precious lessons of true wisdom is “Sufficient unto the day is the day’s own trouble” (Matthew 6:34). Worry for the future is not wisdom. Asking for answers too far ahead of the curve causes us to forfeit the profit and power of the moment. Press into the day for its own fruitfulness! Concentrate on the singular blessings this situation is presenting to you.

Secondly, our wonderful counselor tells us that the attitude you carry is as important as the information you seek.

Rejoice evermore. Pray without ceasing. In everything give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 1 Thessalonians 5:18

No two days will ever be the same. I don’t want to look back six months from now and castigate myself for things I should have been enjoying, but instead, was too caught up in anxiety and frustration to truly maximize. How dumb. Let’s hold fast to the basic, fundamental things we can and revel in the counsel of God. Focus on His voice, His presence, ask what you will, and watch the scratchings of fear and fleshly impatience simply disappear. Enjoy your rest.

Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water; but a person of understanding will draw it out.

Proverbs 20:5

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