Self-Counselling is an important part of Scripture Therapy. We have seen that with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the direction in Scripture, and the principles of Choice Theory, many people can create meaning, direction, and joy in their lives. Self-Counselling is a very personal and private way to address the challenges you face and find the freedom to live the life God desires for you.
We love using acronyms in Scripture Therapy and often use R-DAD when discussing self-counselling. This stands for Rightly Dividing the Word of God And Discerning the Voice of God.
We do this through four steps:
1.Study the Word to show thyself approved unto the Lord
2.Rightly dividing and sharing the Word of God
3.Hearing and obeying the Voice of God
4.Combining these steps together: R-DAD
We take this from 2 Timothy 2:15,
Study the Word to show thyself approved unto the Lord – Principle
This principle is taken right from 2 Timothy 2:15,
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. (KJV) .
God’s Word is always available for us, providing teaching, guidance, insight, and an opportunity to develop a more meaningful connection with our Savior. However, simply skimming a few verses or chapters in an attempt to meet some Christian duty will not cut it!
We are asked to study. This means slowing down, believing that there is something valuable for us to learn, and reading the Bible with an intention of receiving valuable information. We love the Psalmist’s approach to reading the Bible:
Open my eyes that I may see wonderful things in your law. Psalm 119:18 (NIV)
Study the Word to show thyself approved unto the Lord – Divine Guidance
He is asking for divine guidance and direction as he studies God’s word, and he is expecting to see “wonderful things”. This is what God has to offer us when we study His word! It doesn’t matter whether you’re highly educated, or slowly working to read and understand each sentence. God’s word is here for you.
People can use a Scripture verse here and there to defend all sorts of actions and to lead people astray. The more you study the Word and ask for God to open your eyes, the more you will find yourself understanding the whole truth. This is essential for helping you to grow in your walk with Christ and in your personal development.
Choice Theory is about understanding the truth about yourself, your motivations, and the total behavior that you choose. When you study the Bible, you are immersing yourself in truth. This is part of why Scripture Therapy is so freeing—it connects you with the truth about yourself and the Giver of Truth! And with this connection you become free to follow the path God has set for you.
We see true joy and purpose growing in our students as they discover why they do what they do, and how to change their lives to get what they want under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Start taking the time to really study the Bible as the first step towards Rightly Dividing the Word of God And Discerning the Voice of God and make R-DAD your top priority.
