Problems? Look to Jesus
Just to be clear, I do not mean bodily physical problems that can be biologically and scientifically tested. For example, if you have a severe leg pain and can’t walk – go to the doctor. They can x-ray it, MRI it and tell if anything is organically wrong. Medical doctors are God’s gifts to us to minister to our physical problems. I am so thankful for medical doctors.
But, if you have spiritual problems that relate to the soul, you need to go to Jesus. He is the great physician of the soul. He came for the sick, the bruised and broken by the fall. He came to restore us spiritually.
So if you are downcast, have guilt, worry, fears, difficulty dealing with the past, struggle with addiction to life dominating sins, etc., you need to look to Jesus and the body of Christ (who are “competent to counsel” according Romans 15:14).
Certainly physical problems can have an effect upon the spiritual life, therefore a biblical counselor may ask you to see a doctor to make sure there is nothing physically wrong (real biology; looking for concrete organic problems).
The fact is, most people living in the world have serious spiritual problems and are not going to Jesus for the solution. Every day people are trying to mask these problems with drugs, alcohol, sex, suicide, chocolate, etc.
The Bible isn’t just a book for marrying and burying folks. It is a living book (Hebrews 4:12-13) that provides all the words we need from God for life and godliness. (2 Peter 1:3)
The Scripture is sufficient for the minister to handle all soul work. (2 Timothy 3:15-17) The Bible (properly applied) along with God’s presence (Holy Spirit) supplies God’s people with everything they need to live a healthy spiritual life.
I am thankful for medical doctors, but I am much more thankful for Jesus who is the great physician of the soul.
The soul will live forever and needs to be restored before it heads into eternity or it awaits judgment. Thankfully Jesus has provided salvation through his perfect life, death, burial and resurrection. His redemption can be applied to your life through faith in Christ.
It doesn’t end at initial conversion – God’s intention is that salvation progressively works through our entire spiritual lives until we are like him. Of course that won’t finally happen until He comes again (1 John 3:2) – Maranatha (Come Lord Jesus!)