Yesterday at church, we sang one of my favorite songs, “Holy Spirit” by Jesus Culture. The whole song is powerful and touching, but something special happened yesterday as we sang the second verse. I saw our deaf interpreter Mario sign the phrase “where my shame is undone” and it became a goosebump moment.
There was something so beautiful about the way he signed it. I wanted to film him when we sang it again, but since we never repeat that part of the song, God gave me the bright idea to reenact it. [God and I are always full of great ideas lol]
I want to thank Mario Medrano, PJ Garza, and Nidia Quintanilla for being awesome and agreeing to help me recreate the moment. I pray that it touches your spirit too when you see him sign that phrase, and that the following thoughts about shame will become even more powerful.
[Watch the video now if you haven’t yet!]
Shame is a terrible thing. It makes you want to keep your face down and hide. You can’t look others in the eye. You don’t want others to look you in the eye for fear they’ll see right through you. And shame never travels alone but always brings along some extra, unwanted friends, like guilt, embarrassment, humiliation, etc.
Whereas you mostly think of shame as a result of something you’ve done wrong, shame can also be put upon you by the actions of others and by Satan himself. Shame is Satan’s game. He’s the accuser of all Christians. In fact, his name means “Adversary.” One of his main activities is standing before God and accusing all believers. Revelation 12:10 says he does it day and night. He even accuses you in advance, anticipating you will do something wrong. That’s hardcore! [See Job 1-2]
Here’s the good news. Forgiveness and freedom is God’s game. God is the one who lifts your head. He says you don’t have to be embarrassed or hide. He rolls away your reproach. He cleans the shame off of you. He unwraps the cloak of embarrassment off your shoulders. This is because He is good and kind and doesn’t want to see you operating under that kind of burden. Jesus died so you could live free! No weights, no encumbrances. No guilt, no shame.
One of my favorite stories is the Prodigal Son, recorded in Luke 15:11-32. It’s about a boy who dishonored his loving father, asked for all his inheritance, and turned his back on all his family. He ran away and lived an immoral life. He got himself into a pit of hopelessness. He planned his return to ask his father’s forgiveness by preparing a penitent speech. Little did he know, his father was constantly scanning the horizon for any sign that his wayward son was returning home. The sorrowful son didn’t get a chance to say his speech. You know why? Because the father ran to greet him and welcome him back home. Forgiveness was in that father’s eyes and love was in his heart. That’s exactly how God the Father feels about you.
The reason that story is one of my favorites is because I’ve done so many things wrong. I’ve failed and felt the guilt and shame. I’ve struggled with wanting to go back to the Father but feared the reception I would get. This story shows me the real heart of the Father, not one of hellfire and brimstone and judgment, but one of love, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and acceptance.
If you’ve done something you feel ashamed about, you do need to take responsibility and deal with it. I know it seems foreboding and like something to dread. Yet, like the prodigal son, it only takes one step toward God, and He will be waiting to receive you, forgive you, love you, and accept you.
If you’re dealing with shame, please check out the following verses for encouragement. You may want to journal about them. You could declare them out loud for as long as it takes. You could memorize them. You could personalize them in prayer.
Isaiah 54:4 – Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
Isaiah 61:7 – 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.
Psalm 3:3 – But you, Lord, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high.
Here are some other steps you could take toward removing shame, guilt, and condemnation:
Pray. So often we bypass what should be our first remedy. Ask Jesus to forgive you and to show you that you are forgiven.
Remember your identity as a loved, forgiven, accepted child of God. We so easily forget the truth of who we are in Christ and the power God has to forgive us and cleanse us.
Find other verses that speak to your particular need. Do like suggested above and write it, declare it, meditate on it, and memorize it. Work the Word because the Word works!
Speak to a trusted, godly, mature friend who can give you some feedback and be a safe place of prayer and support.
If the situation is deeply complicated or ingrained, find a Christian counselor to help you work through the entangled vines that are trapping you in shame.
There is hope. You can be free.
Awesome thoughts. Thanks for sharing.
Beautifully written. So true and words many need to hear.