Plans are made by counsel, so wage war with guidance. Proverbs 20:18, TLV

Can’t Take Counsel?     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.

When I write devotions, such as this, I also live in my head, but in a different way. This involves a lot of self-reflection—maybe even travels a bit into navel gazing. Still, I could stay in my head all day were it not for a wonderful and patient husband.

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 conversations prevent me from moving forward — to forgive, repent, and heal.

Vain Imaginations and Good Imaginations

The Bible calls these thoughts imaginations. Of course, I love that. Except that also means there are good imaginations and not-so-good—or vain imaginations. Even 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.

Think More About It

Do you struggle with vain imaginations or false arguments? Things that keep you from receiving even seeking wise counsel? How do you walk through that?

Until tomorrow, may we seek out wise counsel and be available to others, my friends.

How quickly they forgot His works,
and would not wait for His counsel! Psalm 106:13, TLV

Did you know that one of Israel’s greatest fears was to be as sheep without a shepherd? Yet, like us, Israel many times forgets to seek our Father’s counsel. In the midst of terror and war and heartbreak, fear and revenge can overshadow the wisdom of seeking the Holy Spirit’s counsel.

Today, let’s pray for Israel—and ourselves—that in the midst of chaos and fear we seek God’s counsel and wisdom. That we seek to remember all that He has done for us and settle into a place of gratitude. Yes, even in the midst of tribulations. God bless you!