Yes you do. That’s the answer. You might be thinking to yourself, how does she know we need marriage counseling? She’s not in our lives? We’re perfectly happy! You are correct that I do not know your exact circumstances in your marriage. However, I know that the wisest man in history, King Soloman, wrote many proverbs reminding us that we should all seek guidance and counsel for all areas of life. Proverbs 11:14 (ESV) says:
Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.
A little more than a year ago, a dear friend of ours found a small lump on her young son’s neck. She sought counsel by taking him to the family doctor for examination. The doctor realized that he too needed counsel, and sent them to see a specialist. The specialist conferred with many members of his team to read and interpret the test results. The diagnosis for this little boy was cancer. The family has since spent countless hours seeking counsel regarding treatment options, finances, insurance, travel, and many many other items. I can not imagine facing something like this without seeking counsel from God and others around me. The same scenario can be found in our daily lives. While the primary issue many not be health related, there is a cancer that seeks to destroy our marriages. And please don’t think that this doesn’t apply to you because you are single. The spiritual warfare that is raging against marriages begins long before we say “I do.” You would be wise to seek counsel now.
What type of counsel should we seek?
There are many types of counsel available to couples in all situations. Jerry and I believe that you can never stop learning, seeking, or preparing. If you are currently in heavy conflict, or feeling that you are drifting apart due to communication issues, we recommend that you find a biblical marriage counselor immediately. You should begin to contain the fire before it escapes and does more damage than necessary. A counselor who uses the Bible to guide your marriage to a safe place will be giving you the tools you need for the future, as well as your current situation.
If you are married, engaged, or one day hope to be married, you should follow the scripture and begin seeking counsel now. Don’t wait until you are in the middle of a crisis, or your marriage is falling apart. Begin gaining tools and filling your heart with scripture so that you are better prepared later. Be sure to attend a marriage related Sunday School class or small group. You can also attend marriage seminars and conferences such as IMC, watch great marriage videos from speakers such as Jimmy & Karen Evans, The Smalley‘s, Ted Cunningham, and read books like Love and Respect and Is God In Your Marriage.
Remember, our marriages are under attack. Prepare for the battle ahead.
Scriptures for Meditation
“Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.” Proverbs 11:14 ESV
“Listen to advice and accept instruction, that you may gain wisdom in the future. Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the Lord that will stand.” Proverbs 19:20-21 ESV
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness,” 2 Timothy 3:16 ESV