In the ways we self-isolate and constantly interact on social media, it’s good to have someone sit across from you with a genuine interest in what you’re going through. This is what Christian counseling offered me, and it made all the difference in the world.
I’d gone years trying to navigate my struggles alone, partly because I didn’t want to admit how low I felt and partly because I couldn’t afford professional counseling. I felt trapped in a sense of overwhelm that seemed to permeate even simple day-to-day tasks.
Can you relate?
In a world that often emphasizes self-reliance, it can be difficult (and even intimidating) to reach out for help. As a Christian, I’d come to believe that if my faith was strong enough, I wouldn’t get caught up in feelings of doubt, depression, or anxiety.
It took a long time for me to admit I needed wise counsel. And as I committed my plans to the Lord, stepping out in faith, I realized for the first time in my Christian walk that seeking help was not a sign of weakness, but rather an act of strength and obedience to God's plan.
He knew all along that I would come to the end of my keep-striving-in-your-own-strength mentality and seek the help He had prepared in advance. I couldn't have anticipated the profound changes that awaited when I finally got Christian counseling.
1. I Found a Listening Ear
One of the most significant blessings I received when I finally sought Christian counseling was the listening ear of a wiser, older woman who truly had my best in mind. She provided an environment where I felt comfortable discussing my struggles while providing spiritual and physical tools for the days ahead. Her understanding and empathetic approach helped me accept my vulnerabilities and begin moving forward with grace.
Because I’d spent so many years keeping things to myself, it was difficult to open up at first. In fact, I spent the first few minutes crying during our initial session to which she kindly waited with tissues in hand.
I can’t emphasize enough the importance of having someone to listen. In the ways we self-isolate and constantly interact on social media, it’s good to have someone sit across from you with a genuine interest in what you’re going through. This is what Christian counseling offered me, and it made all the difference in the world.
2. I Crossed the Bridge
As I touched on before, I used to believe that a Christian’s well-being depended solely on the strength of their faith. Reaching out for help was a sign of weakness to me, and I was embarrassed to admit I couldn’t manage my own emotions.
However, the day I crossed that bridge between faith in God and seeking biblical counsel was a day of victory. I even remember thinking, why didn’t I do this sooner? I saw how my dependency on the Lord also included seasons of depending on other people for encouragement. After all, isn’t this how the Body of Christ is supposed to work?
This realization completely transformed my perspective. I began to understand that reaching out to others doesn't undermine my faith, but rather strengthens it. By seeking counsel, I was not only acknowledging my need for help but also respecting the wisdom and guidance that can be found through other believers.
Truly, crossing the bridge between my faith in a sovereign God and the divine wisdom of others set me on a course of health and vitality that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.
3. I Gathered Tools for My Personal Journey
One of the surprising benefits of counseling was the practical tools I received. These simple exercises helped me deal with everyday stressors in new, yet profound ways.
For example, I was encouraged to write down my persistent worries - usually about the health and well-being of my loved ones. Then, once my fears were listed, I was advised to tear the paper into tiny pieces and throw it away. Honestly, it seemed a bit silly at first, and I doubted its effectiveness. But over time, it helped me stop the cycle of chronic worry in its tracks.
Rather than ignoring or stifling my feelings, my counselor helped me acknowledge them in light of God’s Word and process them immediately. Through various therapeutic techniques and Christian principles, I discovered how to manage stress, anxiety, and depression - ultimately leading to improved mental health and overall happiness.
I still carry many of these tools today and have lost count of the times they’ve helped me move beyond destructive beliefs and habits.
4. I Understood That I Wasn’t Alone
One aspect of Christian counseling that I didn’t foresee was the encouragement that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. I guess it went back to my false belief that I was weak in my faith and everyone else seemed to have it all together.
My counselor assured me that many Christians needed help from time to time and there was nothing to be ashamed of. It didn’t take long for me to realize that her role of guidance was fulfilling the Scripture that speaks of iron sharpening iron, and I came to deeply appreciate how God had placed her on my path.
To know that we’re not alone on this journey called life is so very important. The Lord didn’t create us to self-isolate; He created us for community. Christian counseling builds community by linking arms when people feel weak, walking the narrow road together.
5. I Received Renewed Purpose and Direction
With the guidance of a knowledgeable and compassionate Christian therapist, I gained a deeper understanding of myself and my life's purpose. The counseling sessions not only equipped me to navigate life's challenges but also helped me recognize and pursue my God-given gifts.
For the first time in a long time, I felt free to walk with a newfound sense of purpose that reminded me of my identity in Christ and my mission of glorifying Him and edifying the Church.
I went from feeling overwhelmed and defeated to unhindered and liberated. The freedoms I’d received as a new believer came back to me a hundred-fold and I found myself sprinting in a new direction.
In sharing my personal experience of Christian counseling, my prayer is to encourage other women who may find themselves in similar circumstances. Sisters, we don't have to face life's challenges alone. Seeking God daily and being open to wise counsel is a biblical way to handle life’s stressors. I believe it’s time to embrace godly support and embark on a journey of healing and growth.
Let’s pray: Heavenly Father, please bless every sister in Christ reading this today and soften their heart towards Christian counseling. I pray that You will lead them to the right person at the right time as only You can. Lord, please remove all doubts and fears that might accompany them on this journey and help them know they are not alone. Just as Proverbs 27:17 says, “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another,” we want to live this principle out and strengthen one another in life and faith. Thank You, Lord, for leading us in Your truth. We need You and we need each other. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.
Here are more resources on Christian counseling you might find helpful:
5 Important Things You Need to Know about Counseling
6 Ways to Seek Wise Counsel in Your Life
Why Christian Family Counseling Is Important
Photo Credit: ©Getty Images/Lorenzo Antonucci
