“Dad, I need your advice.”

This request always seems to come from my teenagers late at night, and always right before I’m ready to collapse into bed after an exhausting day. And the later it is, the more complex I know the question will be! But here’s the thing, each time this happens, I know it’s a window of opportunity for me to connect with my children. And as a father, I want to be available—especially when they’re asking for counsel about one of life’s many challenges. And I’ve had several late-night talks where I’ve walked right out of my kid’s room and into my prayer closet where the first words out of my mouth are: “Dad, I need your advice.”

Life is challenging. And so often in challenging times, I have no idea what to do, say, or how to respond. But it’s in these situations when I’m so grateful to have access to the best possible counsel. Isaiah 9 tells us that one of the names of Jesus is Wonderful Counselor, and what a good thing that is, because we need His counsel!

When you think of a counselor, what comes to mind? Maybe someone great at listening, full of empathy, and compassionate. Or someone good at diagnosing root causes and getting to issues deep below the surface. Some counselors are good at guiding us through a healing process, helping us process grief, or providing practical tools to navigate through areas we’re feeling stuck. Just like there are a variety of gifted counselors, God provides counsel to us in whatever situation, hurt, challenge, or issue we might be facing. The only problem is, we don’t always ask.

James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him” (NKJV). What happens if we do lack wisdom, but we don’t ask God for it? When we don’t ask God, it’s like having the debit card to an unlimited bank account and never using it. Looking at men and women in the Bible who have done great things, one common thread is that they all knew how to cry out to God for help. David asked God for counsel every time he went to battle, had a crisis, or needed counsel. He even went to God when he made mistakes!  

I’m thankful when my kids come to me for my advice, and I know God loves it when we come to Him for wisdom. It’s easy to forget how much God wants to give us counsel. If you find yourself facing a challenge at work, grappling with a relational issue, misunderstanding a spouse, feeling frustrated with a child who’s off course, navigating a financial crisis, or wrestling with any other curveball life throws at us, I want to encourage you to pause. This Advent season, take some time to settle your heart, go to your prayer closet, and simply say: “Dad, I need your advice.”