Who is Jesus?

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace,” (Isaiah 9:6).

My heart was heavy the evening I typed these words. I was lying next to my ill child and thinking of a young life lost too soon, a precious newborn fighting for air in a hospital bed, a family broken up needlessly, a big move on the horizon, the stress of all my responsibilities and commitments building up, and all the ugliness and hate and manipulation and misinformation in this broken world.

As women, we carry a lot on our shoulders: responsibilities, relationships, expectations, prayers that feel unanswered, and worries we rarely voice aloud. Because we tend to be natural problem solvers, we try to resolve things on our own. We think things through and often overthink. We pray. We replay conversations. We carry invisible lists in our heads of what needs fixed next.

Additionally, we are often the emotional focal points of our families. We listen. We nurture. We give hugs and wipe away tears. We take on the fears and stressors of our children and parents and friends. While the roles we fill as women of Christ are beautiful callings, lugging all the burdens around that Jesus never asked us to carry alone can lead to physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual exhaustion.

While we’re often the ones others come to for wisdom and comfort, we can’t help but quietly wonder at times who is counseling us. The answer should be the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus, who instructs, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28).

We’re also bombarded with a multitude of decisions daily, some as simple as What should I make for dinner? Others seem to hold more weight-Should I accept this job offer? Who should I vote for? Can I really afford to buy a new car right now?

Right or left? Up or down? Black or white? Conservative or liberal? Most decisions aren’t either or. There are shades of gray, and often we don’t have all the information we need to feel completely certain we’re making the best decisions.

Therefore, we seek counsel from others to help us make choices. Sometimes that may be from family members or friends, from our pastors or mentors, or from experts in their fields such as healthcare providers, loan officers, real estate agents, lawyers, carpenters, mechanics, etc. However, be careful when choosing your sources for guidance as you don’t want to be steered in the wrong direction. Relying on Dr. Google, social media, or even news sources these days can be risky.

I rarely watch the news these days, for several reasons. First, it’s usually nothing but negativity. If you want to feel depressed or angered, turn to a news source. Additionally, everything is pushed out with dramatics using headlines formulated to shock, scare, or enrage us because in doing so, the public is more apt to pay attention. Clicks or views equal attention and attention equals higher ratings which equals more money into the networks’ pockets.

Thirdly, you can’t trust news sources to be neutral and honest. I took journalism courses in college which emphasized non-biased news reporting. I’m disappointed with the evident bias stemming from all news stations these days. Additionally, everyone is quick to point out the wrongs in this world, but most don’t provide any realistic ideas on how to overcome the issues.

Furthermore, almost every story, even non-political ones, gets twisted into some type of political battle or platform. The current propaganda war in this country is appalling. You have to fact check everything to get any real idea of what is actually going on. Finally, we used to get the news in shorts bursts-morning, early evening, and late night. Now, we have 24-hour news channels and the always available Internet. And don’t even get me started on social media, where everyone is an expert on anything they claim to be.

We’re all overloaded with information, whether correct or not. When it comes to important decisions, it can be hard to wade through the nonsense and the noise and come to a rational conclusion or formulate an educated response or action step. Instead of another tip or so-called expert’s opinion or pointing fingers or inspirational quotes, we often simply need clarity. We need peace. We need someone who actually knows the whole picture. That’s where Jesus comes in.

“I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you,” (Psalm 32:8).

Most advice comes from limited perspective. Jesus, however, doesn’t offer superficial guidance. He offers authentic presence. He doesn’t rush us toward decisions but instead walks us through the questions. He sees the full picture. Whereas we see the moment; He sees the story.

Think about how Jesus interacted with women in Scripture. He wasn’t dismissive. He wasn’t rushed. He didn’t lecture. When Jesus spoke with the woman at the well in John 4, He acknowledged her story and her pain, spoke truth into her life, and offered her something better than the shame, hurt, fear, negative opinions of others, and gossip likely surrounding her. No condemnation. No advice overload. Just living water that led to amazing transformation that redirected her future.

This is also true for the woman in John 8 who was publicly accused of adultery. Jesus didn’t demean her nor did he shun her or curse her. He didn’t stone her as the others wanted. Instead, He counseled mercy, stating, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her,” (John 8:7). He again provided truth without condemnation:“‘Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?’ ‘No one, sir,’ she said. ‘Then neither do I condemn you,’ Jesus declared. ‘Go now and leave your life of sin,’” (John 8:11).

Jesus understands our hearts, even the parts we don’t outwardly reveal. He doesn’t simply offer good suggestions; His counsel carries power that provides us with strength and wisdom to make the right decisions. He has authority over what overwhelms us. He provides peace instead of pressure. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid,” (John 14:27).

Sometimes we hesitate to bring our real questions to our Wonderful Counselor: Why must we hurt? Why does this season feel so hard? Why did you allow them to die? Why can’t they understand my side? What’s next for me? Who could ever love me after all I’ve done?… However, Scripture reassures us: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault,” (James 1:5).

A counselor listens. Jesus, our Wonderful Counselor, listens deeply, and He never minimizes what weighs on our hearts. He isn’t annoyed by our questions nor is He disappointed by our uncertainty. He welcomes our confidences and our concerns.

Sometimes His counsel comes through Scripture that feels like it was written just for you and the situation you’re currently facing. Sometimes it comes as a gentle nudge on your heart to slow down, say no, or trust Him more deeply. Sometimes it’s an overwhelming peace in the middle of a storm that doesn’t make sense but keeps you calm and focused anyway.

To grow from His counsel, we must be intentional when seeking Him out. The more time we spend with Him, the more familiar His voice becomes to us. “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me,” (John 10:27).

Therefore, when we’re in search of a confidant about life’s worries or when we seek guidance on a weighty decision or issue, remember that though the world offers a multitude of resources and opinions, none of it compares to the counsel that comes from Jesus Himself.

I don’t rely on a news station to report facts. I don’t parrot a political entity or take the word of a social media influencer or formulate opinions based on the personal views of a Hollywood star. Instead, when I need discernment, I seek out Jesus, the Wonderful Counselor, and study His Word, the ultimate truth, guidebook, and resource for this temporary earthly life and the eternal life to come. Jesus knows better than I, always. His perfect counsel has never and will never steer me wrong.

If you find yourself at a crossroads in life, if you’re worn down by the stress of the daily grind, if you’re fearful about the future of our country and our world, if you’re unsure of what comes next for you in life, remember that you do not need to nor should you try to counsel yourself alone. Jesus is not only willing to guide you-He will walk alongside you or even carry you if necessary. Therefore, lay down the weight of your worries at His feet. Bring Him your questions and concerns. Trust the counsel that stems from His perfect wisdom and unfailing love.

“You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will take me into glory,” (Psalm 73:24).

Have a blessed week!

-Becky