Are we in our head too much to take counsel?

TODAY’S PROVERB: Plans are made by counsel, so wage war with guidance. Proverbs 20:18

In case you haven’t already noticed, I live in my head. As a writer of fiction, I can create a whole world in my mind and live in it for hours — months, if I’m working on a new book. I imagine conversations between characters, and plot out a story that has purpose and speaks of God’s amazing grace. Anyone else like that?

Actually, you may be more like that than you know. And you don’t have to be an author. One of my discoveries in writing fiction is that I tend to do this with real people, too. If I run into someone or a situation that is uncomfortable and hurtful, I can stew on the event for days, weeks, even years. I imagine how I wished I could have responded. Gotten the upper hand in the situation. Useless conversations I have with me, myself, and I. These conversation keep me from moving forward — to forgive, repent, and heal.

So there are good imaginations and not-so-good.

The Bible calls these thoughts vain imaginations or false arguments.

^“For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly but powerful through God for the tearing down of strongholds. We are tearing down false arguments and every high-minded thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God. We are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Messiah—ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your obedience is complete.” 2 Corinthians 10:4-6

That’s why this proverb– and passages like it — is so important for people like me. As a child of the Most High, redeemed by the blood of the Lamb, I was created to be part of something bigger than me — His Body. But, I’m also fallible and need to be reminded that my purpose is only as good as the living it out in unity with others.

Having purpose, seeking fellowship, and wise counsel makes us better people. It should be part of our everyday life, especially when we need to “wage war.” Especially when making those life-changing decisions.

Seeking God’s counsel is always our first priority, but it is important to seek counsel from those wise brothers and sisters also seeking God’s counsel. We were created to work together in both harmony and conflict. Both develop our character. And that’s a good thing.

May we seek out wise counsel and be available to others, my friends.

Proverbs 20:18 Tree of Life Bible Society, Tree of Life Version – TLV, #tlvbible, #tlvproverbs