And never again will my people be shamed…Joel 2:26, 27
I looked out on the sea of faces, men and women, black and white, young and old, and saw their eyes. Eyes that a few minutes before were downcast, but now were intently listening.
Never Again Be Shamed.
I’ve seen faces of shame before in my role as teacher, counselor, parent and friend. I’ve known shame before others and God. I’ve also known freedom from its grip.
Have you ever felt shame? As a child, were you shamed by an adult that was demeaning or undeserved? As an adult, do you feel shame because of insecurities, weaknesses, or choices you’ve made? Does shame cling to your conscious, whispering condemning truths in your ear?
Shame recently visited me with a vengeance. I didn’t like it.
Shame is a tool of the conscious that keeps us chained to our past.
Shame is also used by the enemy of God to keep us condemned in a life of destruction. Your self-talk says, “You’re worthless. Look what you’ve done. You are not worthy of forgiveness or grace.” Shame is one of the craftiest tools of our conscious to keep us in the pit of depravity.
I recently spoke on Joel 2 at the ARISE conference. In the forgotten words of this beautiful chapter, God says, “My people will never be shamed again.” Joel 2:26 (NIV)
It’s a truth I need to hear over and over again, do you?
Never be shamed again.
Is your past defining your future? Are you stuck in the shame of past choices? There’s no denying we live with consequences of our choices. I was recently reminded of actions from my past. But as I walk in forgiveness, repentance, change and grace, I have to release the past to my Father and move forward in the knowledge of His goodness. When we do this, God promises
“I will repay the years the locusts have eaten.” Joel 2:25
Do you need God to payback years of regret and pain?
Releasing shame isn’t just turning away from your past, but turning towards God, praising Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do in your life. When we praise Him, we release the abundance of His will and goodness on the mess of our past. When we walk out of our shame in our own power, we risk of walking back into the facts and feelings of our past. When we leave shame behind, walking in the power of praise, God’s promise from Joel 2:26 becomes real.
Never again will my people be shamed.
“There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Roman 8:1
Father, thank you for the freedom you bring through the power of your son Jesus Christ. Thank you that through His death and resurrection, we can have eternal life, a personal relationship with you full of freedom, joy, and peace. For each person needing release from shame, I ask you draw them to you today and allow them to know the power of your words, “Never again will my people be shamed.” Amen.
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