Today’s Verse

Isaiah 11:2

“The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of might, the Spirit of knowledge and fear of the Lord.” (NIV)

“Hey baby, I hear the blues a-callin’ tossed salads and scrambled eggs.” Now, name that tune. 

If you said “Tossed Salad and Scrambled Eggs,” otherwise known as the theme song to the television show Frasier, then you are correct. (Apologies now for fans who will have the jingle stuck in their heads today!) Frasier was a sitcom from 1993-2004 and featured the life of a fictional psychiatrist-turned-radio-host, Frasier Crane. This show was a spin-off of the hit show Cheers and focused on the main character’s mild-mannered but witty to hysterical life exploits played by television star Kelsey Grammer.

In a December 2023 interview with Catherine Shoard of the Guardian titled, “I cast a long shadow: Kelsey Grammer on Frasier, fame and why God is the best therapist,” Grammer says, “God is probably the best therapist…without wanting to get on too big of a preachy soapbox. I just think if you have faith, you’re probably one step ahead of the storm of everyday life today.” While Mr. Grammer is an actor and not a trained psychiatrist, psychologist, counselor, or mental health professional, I believe he’s on to something.

I’ve been blessed to sit with a licensed counselor and unpack life. The sessions I spent in that office afforded me the opportunity to talk about life's issues without much concern for how I would be perceived. It was a relaxing setting with time and space to ponder out loud anything and everything that might be burdening me mentally and emotionally. After those sessions, I left feeling lighter. Although this counselor was excellent, he wasn’t Jesus. 

Isaiah 11:2 may not have had a 21st century counseling professional in view. Still, the combination of wisdom and understanding and the counsel of power possessed by Jesus is exactly what will benefit anyone who is worn down by life’s hurts, habits, and hang-ups. Sitting with Him for an hour, sharing life, and unpacking its burdens will change you. Everyone walking the planet will benefit from the wise counsel of Jesus. It undoubtedly keeps us ahead of the “storm of everyday life today.”

REFLECTION

Challenge yourself to sit with Jesus and share your burdens with Him today. If it’s helpful, make a list of them and share each one.