The Gift of Counsel – Hold, Don’t Keep

“I will go Lord, if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.” These lyrics might ring familiar. I grew up hearing this song in church. Certain lyrics are etched in our heart, maybe so we can be reminded at a later date. After recalling this hymn, I heard the words, hold, don’t keep. With countless words to choose from, I am often struck by word choice. Hold, don’t keep. Whatever do you mean, Lord? 

I am like my mom; we strike up conversation with anyone and talk about anything. And after a brief or extended chat with a stranger, we’ll exchange smiles and somehow the feeling of being strangers dissipates. I like asking questions and hearing stories; whether it’s asking the waiter to tell me about his inspirations for his tattoos or long conversations with the man who mows our lawn. He recently went through a divorce and it was messy. Every other Tuesday he would tell me about it. 

Attentive Listening 

Attentive listening is a powerful tool. When we feel heard, it validates our struggles and affirms that we are important. Most importantly, it conveys love. After listening and maybe offering prayerful words of wisdom, hopefully, we have encouraged someone to continue on the journey. Sometimes, there are no words of wisdom necessary, just attentive listening. I am learning that listening is truly the essence of the gift of counsel.

Hold vs Keep

It is difficult at times to not get your heart in the mix of someone else’s story. The gift of counsel often brings us right into the midst of a person’s pain. Love will do that, settle into the hurt of another’s heart. Hold, don’t keep, is what the Lord whispered.

I have been reflecting on this for quite sometime. To keep is to retain in one’s possession. If we keep people in our hearts, we may inadvertently take on the role of burden bearer. We are not intended to be their strength, their rescuer or even their savior. That role is for Jesus. Keeping people in our hearts may prevent the work of intercession, which is to be a conduit of love and grace. However, holding people in our hearts, directs them into the loving arms of Jesus. 

What I have uncovered is that keeping people in my heart can be an unhealthy way to counsel and might just interfere with what the Lord wants to do. I don’t want to be an obstacle. If people lose focus of Jesus, it will be hard to follow Him. Jesus asks that we gently hold his people in our hearts, while directing them to Him, after all, it is Jesus who brings healing and comfort to the hurting, we are but mere vessels. The emptier the vessel the more that flows through.

“I will go Lord, if you lead me, I will hold your people in my heart.” Lord, help me to be led.