Less Fear, More Hope

January 24, 2017

Day 24:  Soul Provider:
"At that time you won't need to ask me for anything.  I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name." —John 16:23

In today's text, Anderson speaks of a man named Victor who was having back trouble and had been for a few weeks. He kept having to go back to Dr. Anderson for referrals to other doctors and specialists because that is the way our current health care system runs. Anderson laments, "With all the changes in health care, 'Mother, may I' situations are becoming more common. One doctor must determine whether a patient is sick enough to consult a specialist, who then decides if more diagnostic tests are needed. But to schedule the test, the patient must get permission from the first doctor. This creates obstacles that can delay the desired outcome of restored good health." He says that "it's easy to see how ridiculous this is in medicine," but we do the same in our spiritual lives.  We go to friends for advice. We go to priests or pastors for guidance or "to request permission to ask God for grace and forgiveness—rather than going to God directly." He reminds us that Jesus is the Great Physician and our mediator in heaven. We can go directly to him. He is the one that "holds the keys to our spiritual health and growth."

I agree with Anderson that we should go to God directly instead of relying on friends or other spiritual guides. However, I also feel that it is biblical to seek advice from trusted friends and advisors. There are at least 6 different scriptures in Proverbs alone that speak of seeking advice and counsel:

Proverbs 12:15: The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel.
Proverbs 11:14: Where there is no guidance the people fall, But in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 13:10: Through insolence comes nothing but strife, But wisdom is with those who receive counsel.
Proverbs 19:20: Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.
Proverbs 24:6: For by wise guidance you will wage war, And in abundance of counselors there is victory.
Proverbs 27:9: Oil and perfume make the heart glad, So a man's counsel is sweet to his friend.

I think what Anderson means is that we should not rely solely on outside advisors, but that we should take our requests, our questions, and our concerns to God first.  See what we hear Him saying to us before we reach out to others.

Anderson's lesson today is precisely why I started this blog—to go to God first.  I wanted a new perspective of who God is.  I wanted to overcome my reservations regarding His word, to see the scriptures in a new light and to be open regarding my past perceptions, so that God could show me the truth.  Yes, I am using an outside advisor as a way of prompting my study and prayer, but through responding to the lessons that Anderson shares, I am reaching out to God directly. I can feel Him guiding me, reminding me of scriptures and stories that reveal His divine wisdom and His everlasting love.

As I was choosing a book to begin this journey back to God, I didn't want anything that was going to make me feel as I did while I was a member of the ICC. I didn't want to feel guilt and shame.  I didn't want to feel judged and pressured and motivated by fear. I just wanted to feel God's love. I am grateful that I found Anderson's book because it has helped me approach God's throne with some confidence.  Twenty-four days in and I feel less fear and more hope than I have felt in a very long time.