Wonderful Counselor

                My mom did a beautiful job transitioning our relationship as I moved from child to adulthood. While I was a teen, I knew I could talk to her about anything that was going on and she would give me advice. When I left home and became an adult, I knew I could ask her for advice and she would never judge me for anything I had done or was asking about. This worked in part because I have always been the type of person who tries to do the right thing. At times my mom told me that she could not give me an answer to my problem but she was confident that I would make the right call. It was important for me at times to figure things out on my own. One thing she never did was abandon me to my own life or problems. Instead I knew that even if I made the wrong call, I would always have someone there to help me get back on my feet.

                In Psalm 16, David describes how grateful he is that the Lord has guided him throughout his life. He says he feels sorry for those who worship false gods. He says, “The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance.” He also explains that the Lord counsels him and the Lord is always in his thoughts so he is able to be glad and rest even in chaos. David is confident that the Lord will not let him down.

                At times in my life, I am ashamed to admit that I have felt as if God wants me to fail. After asking His advice and receiving little to no answer, I feel as if I am left on my own make a choice I am not ready for. Fortunately, David reminds us that God does not leave us on our own to fail. Sometimes we must make our own choice, but the Lord puts up “boundary lines” in which we are able to thrive. He does not abandon us to our own mistakes but counsels us day and night and the mark of a good counselor is to know when to be silent. How can I expand my confidence in God’s instruction? Am I always willing to follow His instruction even when that means making my own choice? Do I trust Him to be with me through my successes and my failures? How should my confidence in God affect my behavior?

                Lord, thank You for always giving me the counsel I need. Thank You for the times that You trust me to make my own choices and for staying by my side even through the worst of my failures. Thank you that in Your presence I can find peace and rest. Help me to reflect on the peace You have placed in my life today. Amen.