CO111 Gospel-Centered Counseling
Segment 43 - Transformed by the Gospel: Welcoming Father
Segment 52 - Emotional responses
By Dave Owen
From scripture we know that we are created in God’s image. Genesis 1:27 “God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” And throughout the scripture God reveals he is a God of emotions. Now we must understand that his ways are not our ways, Isaiah 55:8-9 “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways, declares the LORD. 9 For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts than your thoughts.” This is why, through faith, we trust God that he is working out his will in our lives even when our emotions can feel contrary.
The secular or materialistic counselor focuses on what is happening in our bodies and brains. The possible chemical imbalances or how we were raised, having parents that caused emotional damage, all this and more is the cause of the emotional instability we experience. The materialistic counselor sees the solutions coming from self and medications without acknowledging the most inner part of us, the spiritual. There is no inner mirror as the scripture reveals in 1 Corinthians 13:11-12 “ When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things. 12 For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face; now I know in part, but then I will know fully just as I also have been fully known.” The scription is very clear. God knows us fully and we do not. And for secular counselors to deny Gods work in our lives is a real detriment in meeting the deepest needs and opportunities for healing.
I was recalling the story of Jonah, a prophet of God called to warn the Ninevites of the coming judgment if they did not repent. Jonah’s emotions were not in line with Gods will and we see over and over that Jonah resisted his calling, but God intervenes. Gods will, his story, will always be accomplished no matter our stubbornness or rebellion. The amazing parts of the Jonah story is that God loved and provided for Jonah, even though in ways we wouldn’t predict or understand. Therefore, seeking God in all that we do is so important. Our emotions can deceive us. We must seek God through the knowledge of the good news, the gospel of Jesus Christ.
The good news is our Lord and savior is the welcoming father. The declaration in Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you”, like Israel, God is with us always, through all events in our lives. As counselors I believe it is so important to present God in the light of his faithfulness. For in him we find our being - Acts 17:24 “For in him we live and move and have our being.’ As some of your own poets have said, ‘We are his offspring”. Our listening and understanding where a counselee is, early in the counseling process, is critical for us see the areas of brokenness. Then provide hope through the reminders of who we are in Christ - Eph 5:1 “Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children”. When we have deep sadness or depression that has overwhelmed us, we call look up and call Abba Father, and know he hears us, for we are his beloved child. That is great news! Therefore, no matter what our circumstances are, no matter what pain we find ourselves experiencing and he understands what we ae going through.
When Jesus walked the earth, he showed kindness and understanding to sinners, to the sick and the broken hearted. He was tempted as we are tempted and did not sin. We can trust in him with our lives. Where our relationships are broken, or our health is failing, his is there. His glory will shine through our infirmities. 2 Corinthians 12 - “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me”.
Our emotions are an awesome part of us, as it is an attribute instilled in us, as we are created in his image, therefore take heart that in him we can experience a healthier and more enjoyable life trusting in him.