When
shame drives us to the cross and brings forth repentance within us, we can see
God using it to draw us to Himself. However, when Satan convinces us that
shame has to do with identity - not I did something wrong, but I am wrong -
shame becomes neurotic guilt.
•
we obsess about whatever it
is that makes us feel shame
•
we become anxious - yet God
tells us to be anxious for nothing, but in everything by
prayer and petition, present your requests unto God.
•
chokes out Truth - it’s like
a weed that overtakes a garden b/c we continue to feed it
by focusing our thoughts on it and how it affects us,
rather than focusing on God
•
inhibits our ability to live
free and abundant lives - but Jesus said, “I have come to
give you life and give it to the full.”
•
Shame overwhelms us and we
feel exposed or buried in a deep pit
The Bible links shame with
trouble, sorrow and despair
Honor is the opposite of
shame
Defined: respect, worth,
merit, distinction, privilege, glory, prestige, esteem, admiration The solution
for shame: Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith.
2 We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion
who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting Him, He
endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now He is seated in the place of
honor beside God’s throne.
Hebrews
12:2 | NLT
What is your response to
God’s mercy and grace?
1. Confess sin and realize it no longer enslaves
you (Romans 6)
2. Love (Ephesians 5:1-2)
3. Live honorably (Hebrews 13:18)
4. Delight in the LORD (Isaiah 58:13b-14a)
5. Do not Fear (Isaiah 54:4)
Next Steps - Psalm 119
1) Do what God has commanded you to do today.
1 Joyful are people of integrity,
who follow the instructions of the Lord.
2) Memorize a verse this month. Saturate yourself with Truth.
Psalm 119:11" I have hidden Your word in my
heart, that I might not sin against You. 24 Your laws please me; they give me
wise advice."
3) Allow God to make beauty from your ashes. Be encouraged that no tear is
wasted and speak the Truth of Scripture to yourself.
Psalm 119:28 "I weep with sorrow; encourage
me by Your word.
29
Keep me from lying to myself; give me the privilege of knowing Your
instructions."
4) Be honest when you are tempted to be defined by your shame, rather than
by God's Truth.
•
What thought is behind what
I am currently feeling?
•
Is it a lie I need to
identify, renounce and counter with Truth?
•
Is it something I need to
confess and receive forgiveness for?
•
Claim the Truth! (You are
forgiven and free, loved, fearfully and wonderfully made, your life has
purpose, you are not alone.) Psalm 119:31 "I cling to Your laws. Lord, don’t let me be put
to shame! "
•
5) Make space for a Sabbath
“And I gave them My Sabbath days of rest as a sign
between them and Me. It was to remind them that I am the Lord, who had set them
apart to be holy.”
Ezekiel 20:12 | NLT
Written by Renee VW
