His Name Shall Be Called, Pt 2

*This is the second post of a four-part Christmas series.

“For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called wonderful, COUNSELOR, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6 NKJV

Counseling and therapy have often gotten a bad rap, especially from men. We tend to think that we don’t need to talk through our problems with anyone, especially not a stranger. We also tend to think that no help can be given to us from someone who has no idea what we’re going through. While I don’t agree with most of these thoughts, I do understand them. And I have felt like people don’t really know what I’ve been through. That’s why I love the fact that we can go to Jesus with all of our problems. He is the ultimate Counselor.

In Hebrews 4:15, the writer reassures us that we serve a High Priest (Jesus) who sympathizes with our weaknesses because while He was on earth He was tempted in every way. Jesus knows how we we feel because He’s been here and faced the same struggles we face. All throughout the gospels we can see where Jesus felt temptation (Mark 1:12-13), frustration (Luke 9:41), sadness and grief (John 11:35), anxiety (Luke 22:41-42) and even abandonment (Matthew 27:46). Some married guys might argue, “yeah but He wasn’t married so He doesn’t know my pain.” Well, to that I’d say His Dad actually invented marriage, so I’m pretty sure He has the inside track on that as well.

With Christ we don’t have to worry about if we’re talking to someone who knows what we’re feeling. He knows. So talk to Him about whatever is troubling you. He’ll listen. He’ll comfort. He’ll advise. Counselors do that.