~ MANAGING THE EMOTION OF SHAME BIBLICALLY
The first human experience of shame was in the garden of Eden. The Bible says Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sinned against Him. They were naked and Adam and Eve must have lived out their lives on earth with much regret over their loss of innocence and its associated blessings. We know they were ashamed at their nakedness so they hid themselves(Genesis 3:10).
He said, “I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; so I hid myself.” – Genesis 3:10 AMP
Shame is a feeling of embarrassment or humiliation that arises from the perception of having done something dishonorable, immoral, or improper.
Sometimes roots of shame are from the unkind, unfair, or untruthful things people said about us. Their voices may be stuck in your head, leading us to believe we are not good enough. However, when we trust in the Lord for our true identity, God will silence those voices from the past and give us triumph in his power.
As believers in Christ, God does not hold us in shame, no matter what we believe about ourselves. Because Jesus died on the cross for every bad thing we ever said or did, those shameful deeds are no longer held against us.
Our acceptance of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf frees us from the shame of sin.
Yet, many of us Christians still struggle with feelings of shame even after we have trusted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. The devil wants to hold us down with our past mistakes, and shame is one of his favorite weapons. We need to fully receive God’s grace and ask for his help to overcome shame.
By replacing shame-filled thoughts with the hope-filled truths in God’s Word, we can start the journey of freedom from shame. These verses are powerful for helping us in that freedom journey. When we are tempted to wallow in shame, we must meditate on one of these verses to be lifted up and set back on the road to freedom that God promises to us.
Trust in the Lord
Psalms 25:2 AMP says “O my God, in You I [have unwavering] trust [and I rely on You with steadfast confidence], Do not let me be ashamed or my hope in You be disappointed; Do not let my enemies triumph over me.”
Hope in God
When you decide to put your hope in the Lord, trusting Him for the future, he will begin to erase your shame day by day. Hope is a powerful shame-killer because you will believe that your past doesn’t need to define you.
Psalms 25:3 AMP “Indeed, none of those who [expectantly] wait for You will be ashamed; Those who turn away from what is right and deal treacherously without cause will be ashamed (humiliated, embarrassed).”
Joy is another powerful way to combat shame. We can have joy in the Lord, no matter our circumstances because He is always good. Focus your thoughts on God’s goodness every day to recover from shame. His radiant joy will help you overcome hidden shame.
Psalms 34:5 AMP says “They looked to Him and were radiant; Their faces will never blush in shame or confusion.”
Make God our hiding place
Our God is willing to be our hiding place or refuge. We should draw close to him when shameful thoughts attack us, and he will give us comfort.
Psalms 71:1 AMP says “In you, O Lord, I have put my trust and confidently taken refuge; Let me never be put to shame.”
We must avoid sinful habits that leads to shame, through the help of the Holy Spirit.
Psalms 119:39 NIV declares ”Take away the disgrace I dread, for your laws are good.”
God does not remember our past shame. He chooses to let it go, and he wants us to do the same. Holding onto shame creates fear of punishment.
Isaiah 54:4 AMP tells us “Do not fear, for you will not be put to shame, And do not feel humiliated or ashamed, for you will not be disgraced. For you will forget the shame of your youth, And you will no longer remember the disgrace of your widowhood.”
Isaiah 61:7 AMP promises “Instead of your [former] shame you will have a double portion; And instead of humiliation your people will shout for joy over their portion. Therefore in their land they will possess double [what they had forfeited]; Everlasting joy will be theirs.”
Romans 10:11 NIV says, “Anyone who believes in him will never be put to shame.”
God is saddened when our shame creates a barrier between us and him. He wants to draw us close, as a loving father tenderly embraces his child.
(Ref: Seattle Christian Counselling)
NOW LET US PRAY
Holy God, thank You for the gift of salvation, and deliverance from shame and guilt. Only You have the power to erase the emotion of shame from our lives. Lord, help those among us who are dealing with shame to seek refuge in You, so that they are delivered from shame. Help us to trust and put our hope in You. Abide with us at all times Jesus. In Your glorious name, I pray. Amen 
Have a blessed day 
