Devotions this week are based on Week 1 of “He Shall Be Called: Wonderful Counselor” (CLICK HERE)
How’s that working for you?
The famous TV psychologist, “Dr. Phil,” was known to interview individuals going through different personal or relationship issues. They would describe the often bizarre things that were going on and how their life was not going very well. While they came on the show for advice, some seemed reluctant to take Dr. Phil’s advice and try something different. When they pushed back on his advice and seemed to want to keep doing what they were doing and get different results, he would ask, “How’s that working for you?”
The point was to have the guest evaluate the advice they had received and the results it was getting for them. If they liked the results (which was usually why they were on the show in the first place), great keep doing them and get the negative results. However, if it wasn’t working, perhaps it was time to listen to some new advice and try something new.
Perhaps we have encountered situations in our life where the advice and actions we were receiving and taking were not having a positive outcome. It’s time to try something new.
We are not the first ones to find ourselves with a result in life that is short of what we desire and most of all short of what God desires.
In Isaiah’s day he calls out the woeful advisors to whom the people of Israel were going. The results were evident that the advice was bad.
Here’s what Isaiah wrote:
Isaiah 8:19 When men tell you to consult mediums and spiritists, who whisper and mutter, should not a people inquire of their God? Why consult the dead on behalf of the living? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, they have no light of dawn.
People were seeking advice and being told to consult mediums, spiritists, or even the dead themselves. What kind of advice would ungodly, dead people give? A rational person would say, “Not good!” However, people saw these sources as a place to go for advice. Unfortunately this can still be true today. You can read your horoscope or have someone interpret Tarot cards. You can have someone try to conjure up a dead relative…all to seek input and advice on life.
“How’s that working for you?” the prophet seems to be saying. The rhetorical question assumes, “Not very well.” These are woeful advisors and with woeful advisors you get horrible results.
The answer? Inquire of God. Seek God’s truth in the “law and testimony,” his Word. This source of truth and body of truth are the only places that will “illumine” your heart and life to the blessings of God. Why walk in the darkness of woeful advisors when you can walk in the wonderful counsel of the God who made you, redeemed you and wants nothing but the best for you!
Apply: Evaluate the source of the advice you seek and receive. Is it moving you toward God or away from him? Get rid of woeful advisors and seek God’s wonderful counsel.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for your love which always guides me into your wonderful counsel. AMEN.