A troubled soul often produces motivation for change!

The Apostle Paul stated, "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:2).  As we struggle to "be transformed" we naturally encounter adversity and trials.  Although I do not believe that God causes evil or bad things to happen, I fully believe that God uses any and all circumstances in our lives – good or bad – to help us become more like Christ (Romans 8:28-29). 

Whether it is individual or relational, we always engage an opportunity to gain the character of Christ.  When that opportunity arrives, the challenge put to our soul can be greatly disturbing.  Our best efforts are often derailed by long-held thoughts and beliefs and coping devices that ultimately fail us, rather than serve us and our relationships.  Coming to terms with patterns of behavior that hurt ourselves or others is difficult and usually takes some objective help from the "outside." This is where counseling can help.

Behaviors tend to follow one's core beliefs and values, which are held and renewed within the processes of  the mind.  I have worked with many individuals who suffered severe childhood trauma, yet until they learned how to become free of these influences they remain trapped in a vicious cycle of blaming themselves, others or God for their pain.  Once this cycle of despair is broken by truth and empathy, the client is free to continue growing at a wonderful pace.  It is getting to this juncture which requires significant effort and reestablishment of trust toward (at least some) others. Sounds simple, but this process only moves at the pace in which a client is ready.

My healing philosophy assumes that a person's spirit, thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interconnect to form personal wholeness. Strict attention to the mind, without looking at the emotions or spirit, creates a split rather than holistic integration.  We are not simply computers to be "reprogrammed."  Our minds are deeply influenced by our emotions and must realistically learn to live within this union.  Conversely, too much emphasis on the emotions, without being guided by the mind and spirit, leads to emotional anarchy and hopelessness.  Emotions offer insight, not unconditional truth; while truth can be illuminated by the richness of our emotions, the habit of blindly following our feelings – or placing emotions over the mind – is almost always a recipe for disaster.  Egocentrism and narcissistic thought are not far behind. 

Behaviors always follow a personal choice.  That choice may be unduly influenced by any number of factors — good or bad.  Nevertheless, one must first take ownership of these choices if they truly want to be free.  This concept alone can present an incredible challenge to therapy.  Without seeing one's own volition (even in sometimes horrible choices) we can never be free to change.  Sometimes worse ... if we remain under the control of past events we may be destined to repeat them until we "get it right".  This cycle leads to a prison of despair and hopelessness. The Good News is that Christ has come to set the prisoners free, and to release the captives of this cycle of pain. 

Personal responsibility and accountability for our healing journey must be engaged to heal.  The Apostle Paul did not say, "Be transformed by the renewal of your neighbor’s mind."  Awareness of our own feelings, thoughts and choices is the first step toward meaningful change.  We take responsibility for spiritual, psychological and emotional renewal in our own minds and in our own lives.  It remains as difficult today as it did 2000 years ago to remove a sliver from your neighbor's eye while keeping a log in your own.  Personal responsibility is key. 

Divisions of the soul need healing 

Living an authentic life requires that personal values are aligned according to one's belief system.  In the Judeo-Christian belief system one's thoughts and behaviors are guided by Scriptural truth, rather than by temporal feelings or cold-hearted logic.  Our Scriptural command to love one another is one thing ... learning how to put love into practice is quite another.  Though spiritually redeemed, we still reside in these "earthen vessels."  And these vessels get tired, grumpy, bitter, selfish, resentful, we hold grudges, want to "get even," or get my "fair share."  And all types of other unlovely attitudes and behaviors.

Although I loathe performance as a means to spiritual redemption, there is Scripture that tells us to "Work out your salvation with fear and trembling" (Php 2:12).  So how do we do that?  Does "work" here mean that we need to earn our salvation?  That would be impossible – short of taking Jesus Christ off the cross and finishing the work ourselves.  So what does the Apostle Paul mean by salvation?  And why does he call it work?

Working out our salvation requires ... you guessed it ... W-O-R-K !  This is not the type of work that gets you into heaven.  There is only one work that opened that door, that is the cross of Jesus Christ?  But we are commanded to love God, then to love one another as we love ourselves.  Sounds simple, doesn't it?  So why do we need to be told to love one another, much less ourselves?  And having heard this command why is it so difficult to obey?  

It's that vessel thing again.  We have a body, a spirit, and a soul.  If humans were ethereal beings – floating around without the encumbrance of these bodies – then perhaps we could love more easily.  We are beleaguered by these mortal bodies – needy, needy, needy!  But even if we could conquer the influences of our bodies we still have our souls to mend. 

What exactly is a "soul"?

Our souls contain our mind (thoughts and beliefs), our emotions (sometimes referred to as "feelings"), and our will (personal volition guiding choices).  Our souls function at light speed until we purposefully take the time to slow down.  Remember the Scripture ... "Be still and know that I am God!"  Notice how God tied being "still" and the ability to "know" in the same command.  That is the first step –- to still ourselves long enough to hear from the Father of our body, spirit and souls.  That is a huge challenge to some.  Especially if strife and emotional chaos has become normal in a hectic, out of balance life.  Or if trauma has stolen a person's ability to experience peace. 

Nevertheless, without "hearing" from God we become like a child without a parent – very disadvantaged indeed.  Since God is the Mighty Counselor and Healer of our souls, how can we expect to become whole without the healing touch of his words?  I am not speaking in mysterious terms, because those within the Judeo-Christian worldview believe that God is personal and that he does indeed "touch" us with his voice and His power and love.  Even Jesus said that his sheep hear his voice. This is in addition to Holy Scripture, which is God-breathed supernatural revelation.  Also called God's Love Letter to His people. 

When we learn to hear the voice of God more effectively, we begin to shed the undue influences upon these earthly vessels.  We can learn to follow the voice of peace and truth, instead of the chatter within our own crazy-making minds.  Some of the beliefs I encounter in therapy defy logic, yet remain firmly embedded in the mind of the client until confronted by the love of God, which can be illuminated through Scripture and the working of his Spirit in us and through others.  In fifty-one years experience on this planet, I have found nothing which offers greater hope and freedom than the Light found in Judeo-Christian Scripture and the Body of Christ made alive through his people. 

Jesus said, "The spirit is willing, but the flesh [which houses our soul] is weak."  Counseling has its highs and lows, just like anything in life.  But focused, diligent work on those things that rob us of life will ultimately release more energy into living life to the fullest.  Sometimes the work is very hard, but in most cases the rewards far outweigh the costs. 

I see many opportunities for victory in people's lives.  Slowing down to achieve those victories is the first step toward change.  A balanced life including spiritual rest and renewal through appropriate counseling can be rewarding and fulfilling.  My desire is to offer a holistic approach that includes focus on the spirit, the soul and the temporal body. 

“He gives strength to the weary

    and increases the power of the weak.

Even youths grow weary,

    and young men stumble and fall;

      but those who wait on the Lord

         will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

    they will run and not grow weary,

      they will walk and not be faint." 

____________     (Isaiah 40:29-31) 

(c)  Thomas Isaac Berscheid, MA, LMFT, LPC, Licensed Minister