Therapy

Testimony of a contributing writer…

When bad things happen in my life, I never cry.  I usually tend to laugh.  Even when I’m sad, I laugh.  There are certain days tears will flow from my eyes and I do not know why.  I have awoken to sadness that pierces my heart and been completely clueless as to the reason that I am feeling this way.  I know what’s right, but somehow I end up making decisions that tend to hurt me, rather than help me.  I’ve sat in my room before and asked God why is there a hole in my heart that seems like it can’t be filled.  There has always been a piece of me that felt like something was missing, and whatever that missing link is has caused me to make horrible decisions that will temporarily fill the void.  I’ve been in crowds of people and felt completely alone.  I’ve tried to talk to friends, but was unable to articulate the sadness, anxiety and hurt I felt in random moments in my life.

The Bible says, “Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end.  There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the Lord, that shall stand.”  Proverbs 19:20-21.  There are many scriptures that tell us to listen to Godly counsel, learn from the elders and surround ourselves with wise friends.  The heart is complex and many times there are so many layers to the way that we feel and the way that we react to certain situations that we are unable to clearly identify the root.  Therapy is such a taboo topic to so many people.  It has been perceived as weakness and associated with mental illness, but the truth is that God recommends Christian counsel.  Counselors are trained to listen and help identify the pains in your life.  They do not cut out the Holy Spirit’s counsel, but they allow you to know what to pray for.

The tribulations of life can be overwhelming, and no man is an island.  God has given us people that have the gift of discernment and encouragement for a reason.  They help us to get through those difficult moments that we are unable to handle alone.  Sometimes you just need someone to talk to; someone to listen to you; someone to hear the things you’re not saying.  Christian counselors are that gift.

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.”  II Corinthians 1:3-4

If you are seeking a Christian counselor, we invite you to contact the Counseling Center here West Angeles Church of God in Christ.