They looked to Him and were radiant.
And their faces were not ashamed—Psalm 34:5
Shame can stem from various sources such as childhood experiences, trauma, deliberate sin, or negative self-perception. It often arises from how we view ourselves, whereas guilt is tied to specific actions. It’s important to remember that shame is not a tool of God—it emerges from the darkness within the soul. God’s desire is not for us to live in shame.
The soul remains in darkness without the Lord, as humanity was cut off from the light after the fall. However, through His word and the process of healing, we can be transformed to reflect His image. As the light of Christ fills our souls, we begin to look more like Him, a process known as sanctification—the saving of our souls. Hebrews 10:39 reminds us, “But we are not of those who draw back to perdition, but of those who believe in the saving of the soul.”
Shame is not God’s will for us. It robs us of confidence and limits our potential. When we adopt the false identity that Satan projects, we may feel inadequate or incapable. Yet, God’s will is to live in His strength, knowing we can do all things through Christ. The Creator Himself dwells within us, empowering us to fulfil His purpose. Satan would have us trapped in shame and self-doubt to prevent us from realizing God’s plan.
God calls us to live confidently through His word, guided by the Holy Spirit, and in the consciousness of the new creation that we are. This is the heart of a loving Father. You can be free from that chronic shame.
So how do we overcome shame? Start by repenting of personal sin, seeking discipleship, and staying connected in a community—practice discipline in both thought and speech. And remember, never rely solely on self-confidence—keep leaning on the Lord Jesus Christ.
For further insights, consider my book Jesus and Your Mental Health, available on Amazon.