Cornerstone Christian Counselling Centre

by Rev. Art Zeilstra

Hope for the Wounded

Jesus said: "I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." (John 10:10)

This is a declaration, a promise, a truth.
"Why are so many Christians who are wounded emotionally and spiritually still struggling and 'un-healed'?

The mystery of wounded Christians has drawn various responses. Those who struggle with overpowering pain have been further wounded by some of the reactions to their pain when others have:

• Denied that the wounded-ness exists.
• Discredited the faith or the faithfulness of those who struggle.
• Prescribed a precise set of strategies (either practical or 'religious').
• Tried to ignore the issue (and ignore the wounded people).
• Promised to "pray and leave it in God's hands."

As we read in the gospels, Jesus is direct and complete in His response to human woundedness.
Do we expect less from Him today?

Jesus has called those who love Him to minister to real needs. But often Christians find themselves overwhelmed and ineffective:

There is good news for the brokenhearted, the captives, prisoners, those who grieve and those who have suffered ruin: that Jesus indeed sets people free. (Isaiah 61)

Beyond compassion and good intentions, human beings are very limited in what they can offer one another. The only way to respond to the directive to help one another is when we work alongside Jesus, the Wonderful Counsellor. (Isaiah 9:6)

Wonderful, (from the Hebrew word PELEH) is not an adjective describing counsellor.
Wonderful is Jesus' name. He is called "Wonderful."
Wonderful means: a miracle, that which is marvelous special

Who but Jesus could set people free from the extremely difficult situations which some people have experienced? Behind all of the various symptoms of brokenness are some horrendous instances of pain and suffering. Jesus offers hope. He brings His light to the darkness.

Jesus has been with us from the time of our conception.
Jesus went to the cross on our behalf to accomplish our forgiveness.
Jesus makes us presentable and holy before God.
It is this Jesus who sets people free from bondage and oppression.

When we believe He is who He says He is, we honour Him.
He waits for us to look to Him to do what He said He would do.
He is delighted to be invited to participate in our lives.

Counsellor (from the Hebrew word YA-ATS) describes one who is consultant, advisor, guide"
Counsellor expresses the idea that Jesus is the supreme counsellor, qualified to give counsel.
Wonderful Counsellor is all-wise in His plans and purposes; He has supreme wisdom.

Jesus is able to "free those who all their lives were held in slavery by their fear of death." (Heb. 2:15)

"Because He himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted." (Heb 2:18)

Jesus understands our weakness because He "has been tempted in every way, just as we are ­ yet without sin." (Heb 4:15)

Many people are amazed to consider that they can listen to the voice of Jesus. Jesus said very clearly that "His sheep follow Him because they know His voice." (John 10:4)

We can go to the One who knows all of the intricacies of our lives: our weakness, our woundings, the details of how we are made, and the totality of the purpose for each life. Jesus is deeply concerned about the particulars of our life, what happens to us day to day. He knows the answers to the questions that crush us. He is prepared to lead us, in His wisdom and gentleness, into His truth. We can go to listen to what Jesus says regarding our woundedness. He can speak into anxiety, fear, dissociation, obsessiveness/compulsiveness, addictions and disorders. The Wonderful Counsellor is wise in all things ­ past, present and future.

Open, Lord, my inward ear;
And bid my heart rejoice!
Bid my quiet spirit hear
Thy comfortable voice.
-John Wesley

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Cornerstone Christian Counselling Centre
258 King St. N.,
519-883-3922
Fax 519-883-3924
Waterloo, Ontario, Canada.
mail: Box 38029 at 256 King St. N. Waterloo Ont. N2J 4T9

For further information contact us at www.cornerstonechristian.ca or info@cornerstonechristian.ca