Crocodile Dundee responded after hearing about a guy who needed professional counseling, "Doesn't he have a mate?" I am a firm believer in the value of seeking counseling. I'm not sure what the exact difference is between a psychiatrist and a psychologist, but I know that they are not all shrinks and quacks, as some like to think. I have witnessed the effectiveness of a Christian counselor on numerous occasions.

As a pastor, I have been asked to offer counseling, which I have always responded to by saying, "I am not trained to offer you that, but I have heard good things about this counselor," and I offer them a name. But the truth is I am a ticking time bomb off my anxiety medicine and need to be rebaptized every time I play golf or try to work on a weed eater. It is just best to leave the counseling to the professionals.

When Peter advised Christians in 1 Peter‬ ‭5‬:‭7‬ to cast " all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you," ‭that was excellent advice‬‬. When we find ourselves all twisted up inside, we need a counselor who is a good listener, empathetic, and knowledgeable. We need someone who knows how to resolve the situation or guide us through it without us spiraling down into crippling despair.

Who better than God can offer us a listening session? Doesn't our Creator know us the best? Is He not aware of all things? God truly cares. He literally loved you to death. His Spirit abides in you. He knows what is going on in there and regularly communicates it to the Father. It would be wise to discuss your issues with God.

One thing is certain. God will listen. Then, He might supernaturally eliminate the stressor Himself. Or He may choose to help you cope with it emotionally. Or maybe He could point you to one of His highly trained professionals. God could even decide to offer you, as He did me, one of His gracious pharmaceutical miracles. Only He knows what is best. You can trust Him for wise counsel.

If you find yourself in a bind, pray. Then, listen by reading your Bible. If you don't get a remedy right away, thank God for listening. There is, at the very least, always comfort in expressing your situation to someone who understands. When you do hear from Him, do what He says. Crocodile Dundee was right. Talk to your best mate. -Pastor Mike

BTW, I once poured water on a duck's back. I don't think he cared.