August has been a heavy month with lots of enjoyable company, personal drama that has caused inner angst and a big move for my mother-in-law as she leaves the Toronto area and trusts us enough to move to Kelowna for her remaining days. Many wheels are turning, and I am so thankful for the one constant calming presence in my life ... the Wonderful Counselor.
Isaiah 9:6 gives a title in a prophetic word of the messianic King Jesus yet to come. "...And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." The character of Christ is foretold in these titles but I would like to pause on one ... Wonderful Counselor. The best way I know how to share why I need the help of the Wonderful Counselor is to give real life examples.
When circumstances and unkindness break forth the urge to fight or defend myself, the Wonderful Counselor whispers "Hush my daughter, I am your defender."
When I feel overwhelmed with yard work, housework, not accomplishing the writing I feel I need to get done, the Wonderful Counselor beckons me come and spend more time with Him, until peace takes precedence.
As I approach the days of having to find a doctor, set up an apartment and find the right size furniture for my sweet mom-in-law I know I will need wisdom. The Wonderful Counselor tells me He has it covered and not to fret.
Oh, how I love this Divine Counselor so filled with peace to pour into my day. He comforts. He counsels. He gives wisdom for the complexities of life. Though I do not always get it right He stays close. He is confidential. He is compassionate and oh so capable. Through His word and the Spirit that lives within, He communicates and lets me know when to speak or remain silent, to start or to stop. In prayer, and through the Word, in the stillness of the early morning I hear Him speak. It reminds me of a song written by C. Austin Miles I learned as a child written over 100 years ago. (1912)
"I come to the garden alone,
while the dew is still on the roses,
and the voice I hear, falling on my ear,
the son of God discloses,
And
He walks with me, and He talks with me,
And He tells me I am his own,
And the joy we share as we tarry there.
None other has ever known."
This same loving Jesus is available to you. The Wonderful Counselor is our mediator and intercessor. In confidence we can bring Him all our predicaments, puzzles and perplexities. Nothing is too small or too big for our Wonderful Counselor.
I invite you this week to come into the garden alone. Spend time with the birds, the bees, the flowers, the trees, and our Wonderful Counselor. In the still of the early morning pray a simple prayer calling the Wonderful Counselor into your day and I know He will meet you in a special way. If you have the time, leave a comment and share how the Wonderful Counselor touched your week.
Enjoy this beautiful old hymn called In the Garden by "The Church Sisters." Their harmony is angelic.