I like the way the psalmist, in a personal and poetic manner, calls the decrees and teachings of the Lord “my counselors.” A counselor is normally a person who gives understanding and guidance, especially for personal problems. Recently, I read an article that there is a much greater need for counselors in our country because of increased stressful tensions. Good counselors are important professionals, and we need more. However, there will never be a shortage of counselors when we understand the term as expressed in Psalm 119.
The pages of Scripture are replete with an abundance of counseling for living a physical and spiritual life. There we cannot find better time-tested, true guidance than the divine wisdom contained in these inspired writings.
Let’s pause and pray:
Jane, there are friends on the west coast reading your post in the late afternoon and offering up prayers for you. May God help you in your hour of need.
True guidance - the ultimate Counselor(s)!!! *** Our Lord God Jesus in Isaiah 9:6, “For a child is born to us, a Son is given to us. The government will rest on His shoulders. And He will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace!” *** God the Holy Spirit in John 14:16, “And I (Jesus) will ask the Father, and He will give you another Counselor to be with you forever!” *** God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit in John 16:13-15, “But when the Spirit of Truth comes, He (God the Holy Spirit) will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on His own. He will speak only what He hears. And He will tell you what is still going to happen. He will bring Me (God the Son) glory. That’s because what He receives from Me He will show to you. Everything that belongs to the Father (God the Father) is Mine. That is why I said what the Holy Spirit receives from Me He will show to you.” ******* And for me it all starts with His Word in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, “God has breathed life into all Scripture. It is useful for teaching us what is true. It is useful for correcting our mistakes. It is useful for making our lives whole again. It is useful for training us to do what is right. By using Scripture, the servant of God can be completely prepared to do every good thing!” Amen ✝️
Happy to be celebrating my birthday today. So grateful for “my counselors “ who have helped me navigate the many physical and spiritual challenges these past years. Thankful for all of your prayers.
Good morning LFF, I have been struggling to keep up with my daily devotional here on this site. A lot going on but mostly good news and blessings. Finally got the chance to get caught up while waiting for my wife to have bloodwork done for her upcoming PCP appt. May God Bless all of the spiritual counselors in our life who keep us grounded in our faith in Jesus Christ, Our Lord and Savior. Praying for you all and your special needs today, especially for Cheryl and her Aunt Zits, Vicky for you and your son Garrett as he recovers from his injuries, for Ken, your friend Chuck who recently passed ( and belated congratulations on your new wheels), jane- great news about Susan’s continued improvement from her health challenges and any other intentions that we all hold in our hearts. Praying for traveling mercies and safety for all of us who will travel for the Thanksgiving holiday. We’re excited for our upcoming trip to the Chicago area to visit our son and his family. Haven’t seen our Chicago grands in almost a year. Peace and good to all!
So sorry Cheryl, for your Aunt Zita. The “s” would be right next to the “a” and my fat fingers can’t help themselves.
Thank you father James counselors are so important. Remember teachers are counselors as well as parents. Thinking about Vincent and Marco and a sinner this morning. Jane safe trip when you're driving count the cars ,bridges and stairs for me. Living faith family Sharing August 19 thoughts "Don't Tire yourself out with things that cause anxiety, concerns, and worries only one thing is necessary to lift up your spirit and to love God" Padre Pio Wisdom of the saints "let us learn to feel the ills of our neighbors suffer, and we will learn to endure the ills. They inflict". Saint John Chrysostom
Thank you, Fr. James for this reflection. May God bless us with joy in the Holy Spirit & crown our hearts with the peace of Jesus. May Mary, Mother of God, always intercede for us.
AMEN!
Amen.. thank you Fr. James... safe travels Jane
Thank you Fr. James for these words of wisdom today. Yesterday i had coffee with our licensed counselor at work and he was venting to me. He later apologized to me that he was being too negative! He was just letting off steam, poor guy. He is a clean spirit. I need to be better about taking the steam to Jesus and letting him take care of it. Blessings for a peaceful and healthy Thanksgiving week for all. We travel today to my brother’s home in Florida. Amen.
Have a safe journey to Florida & a thankful Thanksgiving!
Listen first and then speak. Ask him for daily guidance. He is with you as your day unfolds. Amen!
Lord please hear our prayers and bring your light to all those experiencing natural disasters, as well as those in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur, the Sudan, in addition to all those suffering around the world - also for their strength, courage and resilience to continue walking in faith. Send them your light. Father in Heaven, have mercy on us and on the whole world! You sent Your Son, the Prince of Peace, for the salvation of the world. We pray that the Peace of Christ will reign in Haiti, the Middle East, Ukraine, Russia, Darfur and Sudan. Please protect and send aid to those in need and all who are at-risk. We pray for peace and rebuilding– we who are working towards it and for all those who are suffering or in danger from conflicts. We pray for an end to violence and war – we pray for wisdom for all leaders who have a hand in this. Lord God please help those in most need of thy mercy. Amen
Thanks so much for your inspiration and lovely prayers!
Amen.☮️
Amen!
Yes, Father James, God’s psychiatry is unsurpassed. It’s free and always available, and much needed in these troubling times. “Teach me O Lord, to follow all your principles. Give me understanding, and I will obey Your law…” (Psalm 119:33-34) . Help direct our thoughts, Lord! Amen.
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I am doubtful and in distress. Please Lord, please hear my prayer… Most holy Apostle, St. Jude, faithful servant and friend of Jesus, the Church honors and invokes you universally, as the patron of difficult cases, of things almost despaired of, Pray for me, I am so helpless and alone. Intercede with God for me that He bring visible and speedy help where help is almost despaired of. Come to my assistance in this great need that I may receive the consolation and help of heaven in all my necessities, tribulations, and sufferings, particularly - (make your request here) - and that I may praise God with you and all the saints forever. I promise, O Blessed St. Jude, to be ever mindful of this great favor granted me by God and to always honor you as my special and powerful patron, and to gratefully encourage devotion to you. Amen