June 24

Seeking wise counsel is a course that is indeed admonished by the Word. Avoiding ungodly counsel is also advised. Psalm 1:1 says that the man will be blessed who, “walks not in the counsel of the ungodly or of sinners or scorners.” Psalm 73:24 goes further. It says that God shall guide the believer with His own counsel.

God’s counsel is pure and righteous and has the added benefit of leading the person of faith on the path that leads not only to earthly blessing but also to eternal reward. Yet, the reality is that God doesn’t generally sit beside the seeker and impart to him of the wisdom of the ages personally. How then can anyone know when God is guiding?

How can anyone realize with certainty that the counsel he is receiving from another who is also but flesh is flowing from God’s heart? The Word is replete with assurance that those who seek the Lord will find Him, that those who yearn after righteousness will attain it. Jesus Himself assures that the Holy Spirit will be our Comforter.

The key then to recognizing God’s counsel when we hear it is the peace in our own spirit that attends it. Proverbs 16: 9 says that “a man may plan his way but the Lord directs his steps and makes them sure.” When the Holy Spirit affirms our way by imparting to us His peace, we know the counsel we’ve received, the plans we’ve devised, are good.