their faces are never covered with shame.” Psalms 34:5
Have you ever made such a fool of yourself that you vowed never to show your face in public again? Surely you could never wear pink again because it might clash with your red face!
I’ll share my most embarrassing moment with you and see if you relate. At the end of church service a few years back, the praise team had been waiting in the wings to sing just before the closing. This was right after our major Easter production in which the actor who played Jesus had passed that way six nights in a row covered in stage blood in order to get cleaned up for the resurrection scene. Little did I know that I had brushed against some of the spilled blood, and it was all over the back of my white pants! I actually stood in front of the church and sang the entire song right there on the platform, in front of God and everyone! I had no idea that I looked like the woman in Luke with the issue of blood who stooped to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment! Oh my!
I had some awesome friends who escorted me off the stage to try to hide my predicament, but I’ll never know who all saw it. When I looked in the mirror afterward, I was mortified! How would I ever face any of those people again? My face was redder than the back of my pants!
I have yet to top that act!
Sometimes embarrassment cuts much deeper than just a silly faux pas. Coupled with hurt, abuse, or secret sins, it can morph into its ugly cousins Humiliation and Shame. More detrimental than trying to get over a single awkward moment in one’s life is being perpetually ashamed to the point of self loathing. Whether it is because of something you did, something that was done to you, or a constant atmosphere of negativity, it can be next to impossible to shake off the constant state of shame or an inferiority complex.
Don’t discount the power of words either. Words can cause profound and lasting damage to one’s psyche! We have all been wounded by someone’s destructive language, but some bear deeper, life-long scars.
Unfortunately, some seek to numb their pain through a destructive vice, such as alcohol, food, or sexual addiction. Others are more apt to drown in busyness or accomplishments to hide their inner turmoil. These may offer temporary relief, but they do nothing to solve the problem. These attempts to hide our pain or self-medicate actually exacerbate the situation.
The good news is that there is hope for every one of us, no matter how deeply we have experienced shame in our lives. Jesus Christ came to reconcile us to the Father and to remove our disgrace. Because of the redemptive work He did for us on the cross, we can stand tall with wholeness and confidence, knowing that we are completely forgiven and free if we believe in Him.
We can be assured that His grace is sufficient to heal and restore all that has been broken in our lives. He longs to heal all the wounds and soothe all the pain. He understands all our hurts as well as our mistakes, and He is able to completely comfort and restore us no matter how bad we think it is. We can shake loose those chains that have kept us bound to a less than satisfying life and be free to live a fulfilling and rich life.
Christ did all the work, so all it takes on our part is faith. We can come to Him and lay all of our “stuff” at His feet. Be open and honest with all that is inside, and simply pour it out. Ask Him to be heal and restore, and He will! He will pick up all the broken pieces and make you new.
Jesus came to give you abundant life (John 10:10), but Satan is doing all he can to try to steal it. Just remember, however, that you are not a helpless victim! Once you let go of the cloud of shame that has drained the life out of you for so long, be ready for the freedom and fullness of life you have only dreamed about! When God sets you free, you are free indeed! (John 8:36)
Christ bore ALL of our shame on the cross. He took it upon Himself so that you will never have to wrestle that ugly monster inside ever again! It is so gone!
As you learn to live as a victor instead of a victim, you can dispel all lying thoughts that have kept you bound by replacing them with the truth in God’s Word. God has promised that when you “look to Him, your face will never be covered in shame.” (Psalms 34:5)
Here are some reminders for you:
I am the apple of God’s eye.
I am created in God’s image.
I am loved and accepted by God just as I am.
I am a princess. I am a child of the Most High God.
I may not be perfect, but I am forgiven. I am not condemned, but God is pleased with me and approves of me.
I am the righteousness of God in Christ Jesus, and I have strong faith.
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
He will continue to work on me, and I am growing and improving every day.
I am destined to live in victory and I am more than a conqueror.
God has given me His righteousness, and He has made me worthy.
I have peace with God.
My mind is at peace.
I am full of joy.
I have a sound mind.
God made me exactly the way He wanted me to be. I accept myself and feel good about who I am.
He has endowed me with wondrous gifts and talents.
God created me to enjoy life, and I will do just that.
I am free indeed!
I am simply radiant!
God bless!
