Shameless

Shame is a heavy, dark, hurting place.  A place in our lives we try to keep hidden from those around us.  I was recently reminded of how real the feeling of shame is and the deep impact it has on a person.  Shame often leads to regret.  Regret can quickly take over one’s thoughts.  It is safe to say “we’ve all been there” to some degree.  These are two areas I struggle with greatly.  I am embarrassed (shame) by past mistakes and I regret time lost (opportunities missed) caused by these mistakes.  

During a group discussion the other day, the role shame can play in our lives came up.  It quickly became obvious how close to home shame and regret hit.  Some spoke up as to the weight shame and regret held in their lives.  Others sat speechless but the looks on their faces spoke volumes.  As one gentleman spoke passionately about how stuck he felt, full of regrets and shame, I wanted to cry.  My heart broke for these men.  What could I say?  Please God, give me a thought or word, something from You, God!

The thought of Joel came to mind.  The Old Testament prophet writes a promise that is life changing.  Perhaps better said, perspective changing!  A promise of restoration.  A restoring of what the locust destroyed (Joel 2:25-27).  This promise comes to completion in Jesus!  

The beauty is, because of God’s amazing love for us, Jesus took all our shame and regret on His shoulders.   (Psalms 22, Isaiah 53:3-4,8-9, Matthew 27:46).  When He died and rose again everything was restored! (Romans 5:6-11, Philippians 2:9-11)  Jesus took shame’s momentum, flipped it around, and turned it into honor.  Truly beauty from ashes (Isaiah 61:1-7).

Folks, when we allow that to sink into our hearts and minds our perspective has to change!  Our shame and regret are crushed by the cross and empty tomb. (Galatians 2:20)  God only sees His beautiful and wonderfully made children - God’s sons and daughters.  God will restore you!  It will not look like the old because it is made new, perfect in Jesus!