God is Close

Certain phrases leave people feeling peeled to the bone. Phrases like, “I don’t love you anymore.” or “I’m moving out.” Often, it can be a single word: affair, hate, and divorce are good examples. In their wake, knees dissolve to Jell-O as does personal resolve.  (Pain – real pain – temporarily melts away coping skills and logic.) Fear hangs like a cloud. The brain's bucket of emotion fills to the brim and overflows.  The heart breaks.  

As a counselor, I’ve walked into the space of broken heartedness time and time again. In truth, my office is the setting for discussing and unpacking such moments. Let me be clear: I never get used to it, and I am always humbled.  I hurt for people every time I hear a story.  I have been known to swallow tears in my office and/or let them roll down my cheeks. I attempt to keep it together, because I should; however, on occasion, that has not been possible. As people share, I search for words. I reach for tools learned long ago and for the ones I picked up in my most recent studying. I silently pray for wisdom while I sit listening. 

As a Christ-centered counselor, my help comes from the Lord. I know that He guides. He comforts. He listens with no limitations. He leads. He loves. He heals. He hears.   God is perfectly able and willing to minister to his people.  In my office, I am a vessel that He pours through.  I have been blessed with a good dose of creativity and the spiritual gifts of discernment, faith, counseling, and teaching.  I can teach applicable, good counseling tools till the cows come home. I’ve been trained well, but let be clear: When a person is broken hearted, they need God.  

How thankful I am for Scripture – the light for our path.  In Psalm 34, David wrote these words: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Vv. 18, NIV” The broken hearted often ask me, “Where is God?” 
I find abiding peace by responding with truth: God is close; he is near.  

On the back wall of Five Stones, this verse of Scripture is written: “Then instruct them in the practice of all I have commanded you. I’ll be with you as you do this, day after day after day, right up to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:20b, the Message. In my office chair, I need but glance to read the words. I glance often. Jesus’ words remind me that he is not only the Helper of all who enter our offices, but he is also my Helper. He is present, and his presence changes everything -even the peeled to the bone moments of life.  

Five Stones Counseling is a place of healing, surrender, peace, comfort, grace, and hope; it is a place grounded in God’s high, long, wide, and deep love.  If you would like to receive more information on counseling, please call the office: 912.667.5848

You can support our ministry through the following:

Prayer
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Making Counseling Referrals
Invitations to Teach/Speak (we would love to be given the opportunity to share more)

Thank you. 
Many blessings,

Jo