Praying, “Lord, help me in my shame,” is humbling. Merriam-Webster defines shame as a painful emotion caused by consciousness of guilt, shortcomings, or impropriety.[1] Guilt results from knowing we have done something wrong, but shame tells us we are wrong. When shamed, we think we are not worthy and have trouble accepting forgiveness.
Andrew Comiskey describes shame like this: “Shame is the raincoat of the soul, repelling the living water that would otherwise establish us as the beloved of God. It prevents us from receiving grace and truth where we need them most.”[2]
The Woman Caught in Adultery Felt Shame
The woman caught in adultery experienced shame in John chapter eight. She had disobeyed the law of Moses but now was exhibited in front of the crowds at the Temple. Not only was her sin publicly exposed, but most likely, she would have been almost naked. Amid this shameful experience, Jesus intervened, causing her accusers to leave and forgiving her.
As we consider our story today, how can we have hope when we deal with shame? God’s Word shows us what to do in a positive way when we are experiencing shame. It gives us hope! Everyone, including believers in Jesus, has made mistakes we regret. The enemy likes to make us believe that God will not forgive us and does not care. Those are lies by the enemy. No one loves you more than Jesus. Remember, Jesus loved you so much He took ALL of your sins on Himself on the cross. That is love in action!
What Can I Do in My Shame?
1 John 1:9But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness.[3] Confess whatever is making you feel shame, guilt, and regret. Let the Lord wash you!
Micah 7:19Once again you will have compassion on us. You will trample our sins under your feet and throw them into the depths of the ocean! [4]Let sin go because you have been forgiven. When forgiven, Jesus frees us from the sins that have entangled us. He shines His light on us and overcomes the darkness of shame.
Prayer
Lord, help me in my shame. I come before you, Lord, with everything that makes me feel shameful, weak, and vulnerable. You know everything about me. You’ve seen me embarrassed, running breathlessly for a place to hide, and were with me when I was afraid. You know what makes me feel insecure and fragile. And yet, you love me unconditionally. You look beyond all that fills me with shame and see me for the precious, unique person you created, a child of God. Help me accept my limitations, faulty tendencies, and unhealthy attachments. Help me to embrace my wounds and expose them to your loving, healing touch. Thanks for loving and leading me to the cross to set me on a new path. Amen”[5]
Lord, help me in my shame. To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/light-in-sin
[1] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/shame Accessed on July 20, 2020
[2] Grace for Shame, Robert Walter, https://ongodstrail.kartra.com/portal/y0BzDEgnCbrK/post/31, accessed July 22, 2020.
[3-4 Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.