Don’t hide. Seek Him.
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Psalm 34:5 NIV
The sting of shame is a painful feeling of humiliation or distress that can be felt from a very young age. Shame brings with it: disgrace, dishonor, and degradation. The shadow of shame will envelope the heart in humiliation, covering the countenance with embarrassment. The power of shame is devastating. It will cause one to hide their true self. Shame dictates criticism, infusing a negative value upon a person’s identity. Such is true; ONLY IF, we come into agreement with the words spoken.
At a young age, the words spoken over us shape how we see ourselves. In my home, sarcasm reigned. Shame and sarcasm went hand in hand under the guise of humor. Words cut to the core, followed by the sound of laughter. Accusations of being “too sensitive” flew my way, when the heaviness of the humiliation caused me to whimper. The best defense? Learn to respond with sarcastic humor. I must say, at the time, to become quick-witted saved me; however, it deepened the sting of sarcasm, causing my speech to be riddled with sarcastic quips. For years I have prayed for the Lord to round my tongue. “Father, let my tongue not be sharp, cutting, nor hurl hurtful remarks.” For, sarcasm disguised in humor, covers a face with shame.
Like rockets launched, tormenting thoughts of shame explode within one’s mind: You didn’t do this…You should have done that…What were you thinking? Due to the rejection of shame, the opinion of others matters way too much. In a shame based life: appearance, image, performance, rule, as the heart cries, “Pick me!’ “Pick me!”
Self-shame is the most difficult. Self-shame concedes to the shameful thoughts. It agrees with the imposed influence, and when processing the sting of shame, a person acknowledges “Yes, there is something wrong with me.” The cover of shame forms a barrier inside a person. It acts as protection from future scorn, permitting others in only to a certain depth. However, such a cover does not protect; instead, it impedes one’s identity. Though, it feels safe, the cover of shame is suffocating.
Of course the enemy of our soul wants to encapsulate us in shame,
BUT GOD! But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head. (Psalm 3:3 ESV) God has a different plan! He lifts our head! He is our glory! Our shield! In Him, there is no shame!
Let us look to Him! Be radiant! Our faces never covered in shame!
It is possible. In Christ! For, Jesus can heal the sting caused by the deep wounding of shame. As we look to Him, He removes the veil, restores radiance, and takes us from glory to glory!
But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
2 Corinthians 3:18 NKJV
He will restore with a double portion!
Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.
Isaiah 61:7 NIV
Let us be like Jesus, the perfecter of our faith, and despise the shame!
Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Hebrews 12:2 AMPC
In Christ, experience a breakthrough to glory!
Prayer
Father,
I choose to no longer hide; but instead, to seek You.
The sting of shame has cut me deeply; yet, I trust You to gently remove the cover of shame upon me. I believe You will not expose me; instead shield me, as You set me free from the bondage of shame.
I forgive those who have been an instrument of shame in my life: my mother, father, friends, teachers, spouse…
Forgive me, Lord, for even shaming myself.
I lay down the cover of shame.
I repent for coming into agreement with the shameful words spoken over me.
In the Name of Jesus, I break the power of these words off of my life. Let shame be shattered this day!
Take these shattered pieces, Lord, and exchange them for Your glory.
Cover me in You.
To God be the glory!
Amen
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