If you’d prefer to listen to this as a podcast, please click on the link below and listen for free on Podbean. Alternatively, you can listen on your favourite streaming platform, e.g. Spotify, Apple Podcasts, etc.
https://ozsazzles.podbean.com/e/finding-freedom-from-shame-a-journey-of-healing/
Many of us have things we are ashamed of. Have we used illicit substances, shoplifted or committed another criminal activity either in the past, or more recently? Maybe we haven’t declared our taxes? Are we doing jobs for cash in hand? Perhaps we have been promiscuous as a youth or this is happening currently? Maybe we have a porn addiction or gambling problem? Or is it online shopping and insurmountable credit card debt? Are we compulsive liars or do we have an eating disorder? Possibly we snapped at a loved one or a child?
As a woman with a wild past and an out of control eating disorder, I felt worthless and irredeemable. I despised myself for my failings. I tried many ways to hide the shame. Yet, I always feared my shameful past and embarrassing present would be discovered, and I would be rejected by all. This type of thinking almost swallowed me whole. It robbed me of intimacy with family and friends. It distorted my identity as a child of God and deceived me into running from God instead of going to Him for help.
So, if we find ourselves in this situation, what do we do? We bring the ugly, fearful, shameful thing out of the darkness and into the light. We bring it to God and ask for help.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9 (ESV)
We honestly share with a trusted loved one, counsellor or pastor
Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.
James 5:16 (ESV)
Darkness flees the light. Suddenly there is victory! That voice that’s been saying we are unacceptable and unworthy of the Father’s love or the love of others, is silenced!
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:5 (ESV)
The chains of fear and shame are broken. We are free indeed! Free to love, free to praise, free to worship, free to become everything God made us to be. No longer cowering in the dark, but walking in triumph and courage, surrounded and indwelt by the Holy Spirit.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog. I’d love to hear how you’ve overcome shame. If you’d like to comment or subscribe, please do so below. Alternatively, you can email me at jesus4generations.com@gmail.com. God bless you!
Sources:
Jesus 4 Generations 
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