How To Break Free From The Grip Of Shame
/Hello lovely!
I was recently offered an upgrade on a flight I was taking when I went to check in. I was eligible to upgrade to first class for around how much it was going to cost me to check the two bags I needed to get home with me.
Being 7+ months pregnant the idea of a big plush comfy seat and extra drinks and snacks was very appealing. Plus it would cut my time in security down substantially which would be a blessing because standing for long periods of time these days is torture, so we did it!
This was my first time flying first class and I was pretty excited. However, once I got settled in my seat, people from the main cabin began to file in. It was then I heard that old familiar voice in the back of my mind. It whispered things like, “you are a phony,” “you shouldn’t be here,” and “people are going to notice that you don’t belong here.”
You probably know that voice as well. That is the voice of shame. Shame tells you everything you are not, and it loves to lie and embellish.
Good news is that we can be free from shame. Today we are going to look at what the bible says about shame and some practical ways we can begin to live free from its grip.
What is shame?
Shame is entirely based on lies. It is defined as a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior. The problem with shame is it is one of the enemies greatest tools. Once Jesus has come in and made us whole and new, the lies of shame whisper that we are still dirty, still broken, still unworthy and still unloveable.
These lies are so familiar to us that we allow them in and we entertain them as truth. Accepting these lies causes us to feel disqualified from our gifts and callings and from believing that we are a valued child of God whom He loves dearly and is pleased with.
The Truth is:
And slaves have no permanent standing in a family, like a son does, for a son is a part of the family forever. So if the Son sets you free from sin, then become a true son and be unquestionably free! John 8:35-36 TPT
So now the case is closed. There remains no accusing voice of condemnation against those who are joined in life-union with Jesus, the Anointed One. Romans 8:1 TPT
The Scripture says, No man who believes in Him [who adheres to, relies on, and trusts in Him] will [ever] be put to shame or be disappointed. Romans 10:11 AMP
The Lord redeems the lives of His servants, and none of those who take refuge and trust in Him shall be condemned or held guilty. Psalm 34:22 AMP
Learn To Believe What God Says About You
So how do we break free from shame’s grip? Step one is learning more about who God is and who He says you are.
Dig into the scriptures and learn about His character. Then seek out what He says about you. The verses I mentioned above are a great start but keep searching.
When you find verses and passages that blow your mind and remind you how awesome God thinks you are, write them down. Post them on your mirrors. Declare them over yourself when the lies come. Choose to believe them even when they don’t make sense to your natural mind.
Some spoiler alerts: You’ll learn that He is not disgusted by you. He is not ashamed of you nor is He disappointed in you or the condition of your life. He is not mad or shocked that you are where you are. He signed up for all of it when He chose you and called you.
His love covers us and all our shortcomings. (1 Peter 4:8) Shame tells us we are exposed and unclean, but God clothes us in His righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) and cleanses us by His blood. (1 John 1:7)
The bottom line is when you chose to follow Jesus as your Savior and were born again as a new creation, you were set free from the lies of shame. There are times when you feel guilty for doing something wrong, and then you can repent and make corrections. Shame, on the other hand, attacks your new God-given identity.
By learning who God is and who He says you are, you can begin to partner with the truth and break up with those harmful lies that tell you what you used to be. When they come calling you will be able to inform them of who the Father says you are now.
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