First, let me say that every counselor is different in the way they conduct a session.  The counselor’s temperament, life experiences and training all contribute to the counselor’s unique style.  For this reason, it’s important that the counselor and counselee are a good “fit.”  Counselors sometimes refer clients to another counselor they believe can be of greater help and clients may need to try more than one counselor before finding the best one for them.

 In many ways, the person seeking counseling sets the pace by sharing their story and the type of help they are looking for.  Many find that the opportunity to be fully “heard” is meaningful and healing in itself.  I usually close the session by asking if it is OK for me to pray and I sometimes assign “homework.”  Research has shown that people make greater progress in counseling when they have things to work on between sessions.  At times I’ve suggested journaling, reflecting on a specific verse throughout the day, or trying a new communication technique.

Counselees aren’t required to share their homework with me, but I’m deeply touched by what I hear when they do.  An amazingly powerful assignment is to write “Psalm 151.”  Writing a personal lament psalm provides a way to access deep emotion and connect with God on a powerful level.  With permission, I’d like to share one of these homework assignments with you.

 Psalm 151

A psalm of ________, when pursued by discouragement.

LORD, my tears are always near,

just below the surface.

My heart feels unbearably heavy,

Yet at the same time,

Shattered into tiny, piercing shards.

 I feel limp with grief and weariness.

LORD, I love You.  I trust You,

Yet I also wonder, how long??

LORD, I am so tired.  I have had enough.

      I am clutching on to hope with everything I’ve got,

     But my grip is slipping.

LORD, I’m falling!  Please, LORD, catch me!

      Hold me…

      Heal me…

LORD, I’m trying so hard,

      But I just don’t know what to do anymore.

      I feel empty and depleted.

     Then I hear Your Spirit whisper,

     “Come to Me,

All you who are weary and heavy-laden,

      And I will give you rest.”

LORD, how I crave Your rest.

      I crave You.

LORD, help me to be still so I can hear Your gentle whisper.

      Please, LORD, as I sit under this broom tree,

      Touch me.

      How I need Your touch!

LORD, I’m leaning hard on You.

      Help me walk this path You’ve called me to.

      Sustain and uphold me.

      In Your joy I find my strength.

 Being able to offer biblical counseling here at Grace Place is a privilege.  Please consider making an appointment to come in for a visit.  Just a reminder- there is no fee for this ministry and all in the community are most welcome.  Blessings!

 Maureen De Jonge

 P.S.  There is no Psalm 151 in the Bible.  To learn about the “Broom Tree” experience, read I Kings 19.