Why Biblical Counseling?
Biblical counseling can help provide the clear guidance to forge a new path.
In the initial years of my first marriage, I experienced a sense of unease. Despite my boyfriend not abandoning me when I became pregnant at 21, neither of us were empowered with adequate relationship knowledge to navigate the complexities of married life. Filled with a profound emptiness, I longed for genuine love. Just before discovering my pregnancy, my boyfriend had broken up with me, citing his youth and unpreparedness for a serious commitment. However, upon learning about the pregnancy, we chose to reconcile and get married.
Early into our marriage, I grappled with insecurities. Questions about whether he truly loved me or if it was solely because of the baby, flooded my mind. Although he treated me well, he was emotionally immature, and I yearned for a love rooted in the inherent value and worth instilled by nurturing parents. I failed to recognize that a man's commitment to work and providing for his family was a demonstration of love and care for his wife. It was during this period that I sought help through counseling.
Regrettably, the counseling journey brought more confusion, exacerbated by an inappropriate experience with my first male counselor. His words and actions left me feeling uncomfortable, prompting doubts about continuing with the second appointment. After reaching out to the board of psychology, I discovered the male counselor was already under investigation for sexually abusing several women clients and he ended up killing himself before his trial began.
Through many years in and out of counseling in my twenties, thirties, and forties, I was able to identify my childhood was abusive, chaotic, neglectful. I received sympathy and validation that it wasn’t my fault, but I never got answers on how to move forward from this trauma. I never learned how to not allow my past to affect my future. That isn’t to say that I wasn’t introduced to EMDR and trauma therapy, but it never brought me what I was looking for.
While married to my last husband, life again began to cause me great distress and I was introduced to a biblical counselor. It wasn’t until my first session with my biblical counselor named Steve, that I started to have hope in a new outcome. My time spent with Steve brought answers to why I was struggling in my marriage and provided personal direction for the work I was to do. Embarking on this journey, I was a new Christian, prepared to view life and my choices through a new perspective.
During this time, I grew my faith and love for Jesus and embraced this transformative process. I came to understand what it meant to live my life as his follower. The more scripture I read and biblical counseling I received, God began to change me in areas that brought life to me. It was painful and difficult, but God didn't abandon me in the process. Instead he brought many strong believers to walk beside me.
As marital issues unfolded, and the counseling focused on the heart, I began to see a way out of the inner turmoil that had plagued me. The teachings illuminated the precepts of God and His truths regarding His nature, the nature of humanity, and the nature of sin. Clarity replaced confusion, and though challenges persisted in my marriage, I found myself on a path of learning and growth in Christ, initiating a process of biblical heart change.
Identifying and dispelling lies perpetuated by significant figures in my life—parents, trusted adults, my husband, and even self-imposed falsehoods—became a central aspect of biblical counseling. These revelations, guided by God's word, enabled me to see the real truth. Over time, I learned to relinquish beliefs imposed upon me and developed faith in God's truth. This transformative process sparked genuine change in my heart, fostering new beliefs, insights, and practical wisdom applicable to my life and relationships.
The Bible offers truths about recognizing and turning away from sin, along with valuable wisdom for daily living. It provides practical teachings that can guide you through challenging times, protecting you from the impact of others' wrongdoing. You don't have to keep wondering why you feel hurt or think that being stronger will lessen the pain of others' actions. Seeking guidance from a biblical counselor helped me shift from self-blame to understanding.
It has been a lengthy journey, spanning many years in darkness. But it was the journey of getting to know God, surrendering my heart to him and studying his word. In Christ and through His Word, I found answers. If you are trying to make sense of your life and marriage, but are struggling to find guidance to move forward, biblical counseling can help provide the clear guidance to forge a new path.
2 Timothy 3:16 states, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting, and training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work." My journey began when I was at my lowest, relying on the world's answers that only led to more darkness, corruption, and pain. Without knowing God, one lacks His truth. While worldly solutions may offer temporary relief, they don't bring true heart change. Christ is what the heart truly needs.
Learning about Christ allowed me to recognize counterfeits and understand the essence of faithfulness and identify unfaithfulness. In moments of marital distress leading to divorce, I sought refuge under His guidance. I learned to trust Him when prayers for my husband's repentance went unanswered. Confidence in Christ's character and trustworthy ways guided me through, and despite my divorce, I believe it was the best outcome for me.
Biblical counseling changed my life by changing my heart. Scriptures are rich in revealing who our Creator is and it proves to be more than sufficient. It is our roadmap through life.
If you find yourself searching for change. don’t delay another day. Reach out and begin to look for answers through biblical counseling.
