Praying for clarity

Yesterday I approached one of my professors and asked for information/advice about some of the changes going on in the counseling program here at Southern (there is a total radical change going on in the program - focus moving from licensure and integrating some aspects of secular psychology into Christian counseling- to the "biblical counseling" model, in which Scripture is the only reliable source of truth and help for those in need of counseling). I am somewhere in the middle of this argument, and I am trying to find the truly God-honoring method between the two.

I am fully convinced that the Scriptures are ultimate truth and that it should be the one thing that we gauge our entire concept of truth and knowledge on. I also agree that a large percentage of secular psychological theories, methods, and therapies are based on philosophies that are totally in contradiction with Scripture and therefore I reject them as false. However, I also believe that there are elements of psychological research and concepts that in and of themselves can be useful to shape helpful biblical teachings and methods of counseling. BUT I am firmly convinced that each observation and method must be held up to Scripture to prove its validity and true helpfulness in helping hurting people. The only true solution to broken people is to coming into a saving relationship with God through Jesus Christ -- all of true biblical counseling should point to this and facilitate reconciliation with God. It is our greatest need and the only true cure - apart from Christ counseling can only deal with symptoms but never achieve true healing.

I don't remember if I have blogged about this whole issue before, but it has been something that I have wrestled with since my undergrad at Berea (I majored in psychology), but has become a crucial argument since I have arrived at Southern, since I am investing in preparing for counseling in the future - in whatever capacity that is. What makes it so difficult is that I have been praying for three years for clarity, that God would set me on a clear path and give me strength to walk it. However, three years have passed and I still have not gotten a clear direction or answer.

I talked to yet another professor yesterday and felt so foolish and frustrated when I left -- I got the same answer: "You need to pray for clarity on what God is calling you to." I was so tempted to say, "OHH, so THAT'S what I have been doing wrong! Do you think that I HAVEN'T been praying this for the last three years?" But of course, I just thanked him for his time and then went to my car and cried.

This all began in the fall of my senior year in college. Within one semester all of my plans and preconceived notions about my future were ripped away and I was left shaking and confused. I realized then that I had built my future on the sand of my own ambitions and ideas, and that God desired something better. So for two months I prayed and sought the Lord, confessing my sin and waiting for direction.

But it didn't come.

By spring semester I was beginning to respond to God in anger - I had a very self-focused attitude: I felt my entire world had been ripped apart and I had nothing to put in its place. But during the months that followed God taught me that I didn't have to know the grand scheme of what He had planned for me. I knew through the Scripture what He was calling me to do everyday: to love the Lord with all of myself and to obey His commands. Doesn't sound so glamorous, does it? But I am firmly convinced that He was teaching me that year and is still teaching me that, I suppose: to love Him, know Him, trust Him, and to serve Him everyday. And that it is enough to be satisfied.

You know what is so funny? In the last three years of uncertainty of the future, God has led me by baby steps at a time. And you know, there hasn't been a boring day since. Since that time of silence from Him, He has given me opportunities to serve in two other countries, to teach and lead worship at college events and at churches, to begin recording songs I have written - a lifelong dream, to learn consistency and discipline by daily serving at different offices and working with Believers and Unbelievers, to come to seminary under the teaching of amazing professors and learn truth that can change lives, to work with international students and witness God revealing Himself to them, and to develop in me a burning desire to see all nations come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Father, You have promised that You are faithful to complete the work that You have begun in us (Phillipians 1:6). Teach us to be ever faithful to You and content where we are. Please forgive me of my impatience and fears of the future - even when I don't know what the future holds, I know that You are good. I know that just as Your people Israel you know the plans that You have for us to give us a hope and a future.. oh God, bring us to the point of total submission - that we would seek You with all of our hearts, so that we may be found by You (Jeremiah 29).

Are you concerned about the future - fearful, uncertain, confused? Trust Him with your life - give it ALL to Him. Don't try to depend on your own intellect, ideas, ambitions, and strengths. He WILL direct your paths -you only need to trust and obey. (Proverbs 3:5-6)