thoughts by ruby

Counseling for Christians - Accessing Godly Wisdom

I'm not very proficient in maintaining a spotless house. There is always a corner that collects two inches of dust before I get around to cleaning it out. Since I moved I have more corners and they are collecting more dust that I can manage. I wash the dishes, vacuum the floor, clean the toilet and anything else that is noticeable. That way when someone comes for a visit, my place is presentable. But... I don't exactly open the closets for inspection when company comes. Then I would be embarrassed.

That is the picture I get of life. There are parts of my life (and maybe yours) that I don't mind showing others. I have my accomplishments, my moments of glory, and some wild memories of my youth... but the doors close fast to the rooms that have collected dust. "I don't want anyone to see that part of my life." So the locks go on and soon even I don't know the rooms are there until something goes wrong in the house. Then, in order to fix the leak I have to open the rooms and clear the dust aside to get to the control panel that will tell me what's wrong. It's not an easy task.

I've been in counseling off and on for a year and a half. This is an effort to clean us some of those dusty rooms in my life. And I can tell you, there are a few. It's been a challenge to open rooms that I have locked in order to spare myself and my loved ones much pain. At first the whole process was a secret, but now I understand how valuable counseling is, especially when it is Godly wisdom that I am getting. My therapist doesn't spare any punches. I've left his office many times in tears, and once I was so emotionally broken up after a session, that it landed me in the hospital for two weeks. But I do value his efforts and sound wisdom. I still go back, because he's helping me get into those rooms that I'd never wanted to go into by myself.

I believe, when Jesus comes to visit our homes, He is not content to sit in the kitchen eating milk and cookies, because it is the only room we feel is clean enough for Him. He wants access to everything in us, because He wants to use every room in our house for His purpose. When we put padlocks on those rooms, we become ineffective in His Kingdom. Another word picture... can you imagine running a race with a leg splint and a blindfold on and then expecting to win?

Pride keeps most people from seeking help when they need it. Let's seek some wisdom from scripture:

"Plans fail for lack of council, but with many advisors they succeed." Pr. 15:22
"There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death." Pr. 14:12
"By wisdom a house is built, and through understanding it is established; through knowledge its rooms are filled with rare and beautiful treasures. A wise man has great power and a man of knowledge increases strength; for waging war you need guidance, and for victory many advisers." Pr. 24:3-6

My biggest fear in cleaning up the rooms in my life is that the dust raised will choke out the ones closest to me. That is a fear anyone will face when they decide to clean up their life. The people closest to you will be the biggest hindrance to your healing. Expect it. But please, don't stop the process because of them, keep it going because of God. He's the one that wants you whole.

posted by Ruby Voigt @ 11:00 AM