Godly Counsel

"Redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Ephesians 5:16

Have you ever had a problem constantly plague your thoughts to the point where it repeatedly plays over and over in your mind; A conversation you had with another person that didn't turn out the way you expected it to? You tried to rectify, resolve and restore a relationship only to walk away more perplexed?

I have; and after two weeks of not redeeming my time wisely in my thoughts, I decided it was time to seek godly counsel.

"Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in the latter end.  There are many devices in a man's heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand." Proverbs 19:20-21

Once the decision was made to seek godly counsel, I made an appointment to speak with my Pastor.  After talking things through and voicing my concerns, he pointed me to Philippians 4:8.  A very familiar verse to me. A verse I often sing.  As my Pastor put this verse back into perspective for me, I realized that I had become so familiar with the 'tune' of this verse, I had missed the 'truth' of this verse.

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

We are told in God's Word to think on things that are true, so what are true things to think on?

We are told to think on things that are honest, so what are honest things to think on?

What just things can we meditate on? How about things that are pure, lovely and of good report?  Then we are told to think on things of virtue and praise! 

The more my Pastor expounded on this verse the Better Thoughts I had to think on!  I began to realize that the more thought I put on things that are true, honorable, righteous, clean, friendly, acceptable, well-spoken of, excellent and commendable, there would no longer be room to think on my problem.

I was reminded to take inventory of my thoughts; to esteem, reason and suppose everything I meditate on.

I also realized that each thought listed in this verse...

    Is a description of the character of my Lord...

        And He is worthy to meditate on and Praise...

            But that's just me!

*Sometimes we can turn to the wrong person for godly counsel, and the guidance we seek can turn into gossip spoken.  Friend, make sure you seek a person who can help you with your problem and not hurt you; a person who is sound in God's Word and will speak the Truth in Love.

I'm thankful for my Pastor and Praise God for the wisdom he has to discern God's Word.