Wonderful Counselor

Isaiah 9:6(NIV)

For to us a child is born,

to us a son is given,

and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

A child given to us, not only to the world but to you and me personally.  A gift from God, I can’t imagine a better gift to receive. 

When I give a gift to a friend, I take the time to pick it our personally, thinking about what my friend likes.  I choose it specifically based on their personality, sometimes it is something they desire, sometimes it may be something they actually need.  I always give it eagerly, wrapped in a pretty package, excited to see what their reaction will be when they open it.  I actually prefer giving gifts rather than receiving them. To me, there is much joy is in the giving and seeing the reaction of the recipient.

I believe that is how God feels when he blesses our lives.  When he gives us gifts from himself, I believe he gives them with great anticipation and joy.  Excited to see our response when we receive his gift.  

Joy and wonder of the gift of a baby boy. God’s son, a personal gift not only to the world but for you and me.  Wrapped up in the gift, a Savior, a counselor, God, Father, and Peace.  That is a big gift.  One that God joyously delivered to restore us to a relationship with him.  What a beautiful present.  In the gift of Jesus, God has given me and you just the perfect gift, well thought out, personally chosen for what we desire and what we need and a perfect fit for whom he created us to be. 

You have to admit we face so many decisions in life, each and every day. Decisions big and small. Financial decisions on where and how to spend our money, emotional decisions ranging from friendships to marriage, even little decisions such as to sleep in or get up and work out.  Choices which often cause us stress, anxiety, fear and often lead to the inability to make a single choice. We are fearful we might make the wrong decision and suffer the consequences of our poor choice.

God offers us a better way.  He has given us a “Wonderful Counselor.” What exactly does that mean. Jesus is there to guide us, assist us and advise us in our decision making. After all, He knows what is best for us.  He created us to have a deep personal relationship with him, he knows us better than we know ourselves. How better to handle life choices than to bring them to him in prayer.  To seek counsel through his word and to gather with fellow Christ followers in prayer. 

Do you have to a decision to make today? You need to take some action. Will you reach out and pray today? Seek God's counsel. Listen for his response. Learn to recognize his voice by spending time in the Bible, quieting your surroundings long enough to hear his voice. Will you try it today?