Overcoming Shame

What would change for us today if we prayed the following words and allowed them to come alive in us?

Heavenly Father, we give thanks that You created each of us for a life of loving relationship with You and others. Forgive us for running to isolation and destructive actions when we feel ashamed rather than calling on You for help. 

Thank you that Jesus died on the cross for us, so we could be forgiven, cleansed, healed, and made whole no matter what has gone wrong. We can live with acceptance and honour today because of You. We choose to let go of all shame to stand with the worth, the integrity, the dignity that You speak over us. 

I began with these words of a prayer today because shame is such a powerful emotion that plagues many human beings.  It can be  the shame we feel for the ugly things we said and did or the shame we felt after someone harmed or abused us, God wants us to overcome all of it and live life to the full.

We recognize shame at work in us when we constantly feel unworthy, insecure, or inferior. Shame is probably buried deep in us when we feel we are no good and not loveable, or when we are afraid to be known for who we really are. 

God is love, and created us in love, so we could relate to Him and to others. His desire is that we live in loving caring relationship with Him and with others. Life that is satisfying and meaningful includes recognizing where shame is active in us and inviting God to heal all those wounded places. 

Here’s a great promise God makes to those who commit themselves to Him and walk with Him:

Instead of shame and dishonor, you will enjoy a double share of honor. You will possess a double portion of prosperity in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours. For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery and wrongdoing. I will faithfully reward my people for their suffering and make an everlasting covenant with them. Isaiah 61:7-8

Next time we’ll speak of some practical steps we can take to root out the shame   we are carrying, but for now, let’s simply affirm that truth over our lives that God is speaking today:

You are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows. Luke 12:7

So God created human beings in his own image.  In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!  Genesis 1:27, 31

For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago. Ephesians 2:10

Let’s live in the truth God speaks about us today and let shame go.