The Advocate [or Helper] the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you… We urge you to encourage the faint-hearted, help the weak, be patient with all. John 14:26, 1 Thessalonians 5:14.
Some people have a fear or distrust of psychology. We call psychologists and psychiatrists ‘shrinks’ and a stigma is still, in some quarters, associated with seeking counseling from them.
Psychology (from the Greek word psuche, psyche), the biblical word for the soul, is mentioned more than 50 times in the New Testament. Psychology is essentially the study of behaviour of the soul, our inner being. ‘Theology’ is the study of God.
Theology without psychology can become theoretical and speculative. Psychology without theology can degenerate into worship of the ‘golden self’.
The Bible is about both. It tells us who God is, how humans become dysfunctional and how they can become whole. Although the Bible is not a psychological text-book, it has a lot to say about the ‘counsel’ God offers us. Jesus promised the Holy Spirit to his followers, to come alongside us, bring us truth about ourselves, our problems, and how God helps us: that’s the role of any reputable Christian counselor.
Lord Jesus, may I be willing to be helped by your Holy Spirit operating in my psyche, then, with the wisdom the Spirit gives, help others, for their wholeness and for your glory. Amen.
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- Lovers Of Pleasure More Than Lovers Of God
- My God Turns My Darkness Into Light
- God Will Redeem My Life From The Grave
- Blessed Are Those Whose Strength Is In You
- My Times Are In Your Hands
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