So often we find ourselves in a painful situation based on circumstances or perhaps an inward struggle. Christian counseling can be thought of as helping to bridge the gap between sitting in the pain of your life and Jesus’ promise to you that one of the reasons He came to Earth is so that there can be a fullness to your life (John 10:10). When it is difficult to see the fullness, or even believe that it is possible, a Christian counselor can help.
 
Here is a personal story of what Christian counseling is not. After losing her grandmother, my wife sought out a Christian therapist who could help her navigate her grief. After the meeting, I took my wife for a walk by a pond to process with her. She was visibly upset as she related to me that the therapist repeatedly resorted to the statement, “You need to pray about that.” While I’m sure we would all benefit from additional prayer in our lives, Christian counseling is more than pointing to prayer and regular Scripture reading. Rather, it is sitting with a hurting individual and letting them know that their pain matters, it makes sense for them to feel that way, but that pain is not the end of their story.
 
One of Jesus’ most uncomfortable promises is that you will have trouble in this world (John 16:33). As far as promises go, I would have been ok passing on that one! But He doesn’t stop there. He follows up by telling us to take heart because He has overcome the world. There are times when we are unable to take heart on our own. That is where Christian counseling comes in to help you view your life circumstances through the lens of faith that Jesus has more for you. Your story is not over. You have so much life ahead of you.