Ministering to people in times of trouble requires an awareness of what people need. Sometimes people merely need our comforting presence. Sometimes they simply need someone to listen, giving a sense of plausibility to their thoughts and feelings. Eventually they may be ready to get beyond and learn to rise above, so they need counsel that provides perspective.
A Bible Teacher’s Role as a Counselor is to Help Students Find Perspective
When undergoing hurts, loss, and hardships, we sometimes lose sight of what’s important. We might begin to interpret life through our pain and suffering. We start believing lies. To regain perspective, we need to be pointed to our “due north” or the place we’ll always be able to find help and hope. Where is that?
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Prov. 9:10)
The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. (Prov. 9:10)Helping people find perspective has to be about more than getting them to hold onto God’s promises or follow His precepts. It’s about holding onto and following a Person — One who is qualified and capable of providing the help and hope we need.
Consequently, mere platitudes aren’t going to be the kind of counsel people need — not even quoting what are traditionally viewed as comforting Scripture.
Really, in many cases, it won’t be enough to just tell your students that “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Rom. 8:28). For that verse to have an impact, to be more believable when nothing seems to be working for the good, they need to be put in touch with a God who is always good and loving as well as all-knowing, wise, and sovereign over all. They need to be pointed to a God who not only sees the beginning and the end but also has the wisdom and power to fit everything together, the bad as well as the good, in ways that work for the good.
Then, with perspective gained, they will be able to say, “You are my God, and I will praise you; you are my God, and I will exalt you.” (Ps. 118:28). Even in their darkest moments they will be able to rise above.
That’s the kind of counseling a Bible teacher should be qualified to bring. Rarely would teachers provide more extensive counseling. But, they certainly should be able to guide conversation with their students toward the Lord.
- Think about what you can do during times of trouble to point your students to a God worthy of their trust. What are some ways you can use now, even if you can’t meet in person, to point your students to a God worthy of their trust?
- To be sure, some of your students may need more counseling than you can provide. Know when to refer them to additional help. Get a list of referral possibilities together now for a variety of situations so you aren’t left scrambling when needed.
Check out the Bible Teachers’ Many Roles in Times of Trouble resource for additional examples of platitudes teachers might be tempted to use in counseling others. You’ll also find a closer look at how the “fear of the Lord” relates to all this and some lessons we can learn from the example of the Wonderful Counselor, Jesus Christ.