Christian Counseling - Ascend Into Desent

When is giving assent to ascend into descent a spirited aspiration? When you want to fundamentally change who you are or become like Jesus! For some, the descent (psychological decline into a specific undesirable state) is the opposite direction they wish to travel. They may perceive growth as only a move upward and never downward. But lasting change requires a foundation of self-analysis and insight before embarking on the sturdy path of improvement. Knowing oneself includes a descent into one's sin nature and the wounds of life. This is a miserable place to be.

Who in their right mind would want to revisit the pains and traumas of the past and dwell on their sin nature or the evil within? The answer is those who understand that true and lasting growth require a descent into the unknown and miserable parts of self.

Paul pondering the negative side of life (the wiles of the devil - Ephesians 6:11) and he was very familiar with the war within himself that exists in us all (Romans 7:14-23). Psalm 51:6 tells us, "You [God] desire truth in the inner most being, and in the hidden part You will make me know wisdom." Also, in order to follow any scriptural suggestion or command people must know their true self. For example, one cannot take a log out of one's own eye unless he or she is familiar with its existence, its details and how to overcome its influence or life. Finally, salvation does not come to people but by way of seeing their own sin nature and dying to and hating their present life or, to say it differently, descending into misery. In this fashion, the descent is clinically seen as an ascent; that is, the necessary down-path that is part of the up-path required for growth and maturity.

Therapists see hope for stable and permanent change in the ascend into descent.