Welcome to the Counseling Blog for Platte Woods UMC. I am Vicki Krehbiel and I have worked for PWUMC for 16 years. I am currently the Director of Counseling.
I am also the “prodigal daughter” in my family. I decided to become a counselor following a season of rebellion in my life. In my early 20’s I rebelled against the traditions of the Mennonite faith I was raised in. As I questioned the “shoulds” and “oughts” of what I’d been taught I discovered my faith was something deep within me and I could not run away from it.
Even more profound was the discovery that God welcomed my questions. The more I asked, the deeper my connection. I’m not saying I always get answers. Just that the process of asking draws me closer as I learn more about who God is and what He wants from me.
Having that experience lends itself well to who I am as a counselor. I can hear the questions of others without having a knee-jerk reaction to fix things for them or give them my answers. I understand how important it is to find answers for yourself. Then your faith is your own, not a replica of anyone else’s. And your healing process is genuine.
To understand more about how our questions draw us closer to God explore the exchange between God and Moses at the burning bush in Exodus 3 to 4:17. I find comfort in seeing that it takes God a chapter and a half to convince Moses to go lead the Israelites out of Egypt. In my life, that chapter and a half can translate into months and sometimes years of God coaxing me to take action.
Many of David’s Psalms also reflect the times when David himself questions God. Psalm 13 is a brief example. It’s a little like watching a TV sitcom because the story wraps up in 6 verses. Hear David’s questions.
- “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever?
- How long will you hide your face from me?
- How long must I bear pain in my soul, and have sorrow in my heart all day long?
- How long shall my enemy be exalted over me?” Psalm 13:1-2 (New Revised Standard Version)
Those questions sound familiar. If you’ve ever experienced grief and loss, depression, loneliness or chronic pain you know the questions personally.
David’s reassurances in verses 5 and 6 come much quicker than they do for most of us. Even so, David’s genuine faith can comfort us today. We can repeat David’s words of faith until they speak hope into our hearts.
“But I trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because he has dealt bountifully with me.” Psalm 13:5-6 (NRSV)
May David’s words speak hope into your heart. May you draw closer to God with your questions.
Blessings Always,
Vicki