By: Elizabeth Haarberg

The Counselor

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

I’m getting my master’s in counseling and am almost finished with my degree. There’s a deep connection that clients and counselors have in sessions, but I’m finding that the deeper healing happens when God takes over.

“But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance
all that I have said to you.”
John 14:26 Revised Standard Version

When the Holy Spirit moves in conversation, the healing and teaching moves beyond what humans are able to accomplish. This does not have to be a weird transition, and the other person does not even have to be aware of the invitation. This is about us being so full of the Holy Spirit that there is an overflow of God that affects the other person.

“…so that they even carried out the sick into the streets and laid them on cots and mats, that as Peter came by at least his shadow might fall on some of them.” Acts 5:15 English Standard Version

The shadow itself does not heal but the overflow of the Holy Spirit in Peter.

We are just vessels, but a vessel has to be filled and that is our job. We commune with God in the secret places to connect with Him to go into the world to give light to the dark places.

“He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.”
Psalm 91:1 King James Version

It’s in the solitude with God that we begin the process of overflowing with the love and peace of the Lord that affects others.

I’m learning how to let the Holy Spirit take over in my counseling session. I’m still involved, but it’s a group project with God, the person who is receiving counseling, and I. What a humbling pursuit when we realize we’re not solely in charge.

Photo credit: Maggie Williams

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado