Psalms for Real LifeSample

SHAME: WHEN YOU WANT TO HIDE

Shame can take root in two ways: through the sins we commit or through the shame others place upon us.

When we sin and feel the weight of guilt and shame, the solution is to go to God for forgiveness. His mercy washes away the stain of sin and renews our hearts, creating in us a clean spirit.

On the other hand, shame can also come from others—when words like "You should be ashamed of yourself!" or "Shame on you!" are spoken over us. These declarations, often made toward children in moments of misunderstanding, can inflict deep wounds, especially when our actions were unintentional, innocent, or unworthy of condemnation.

Psalm 44:15 states, “I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame.” The face, being the most identifiable part of a person, symbolizes how shame can become intertwined with our very identity. It’s as though the psalmist is acknowledging how disgrace—alienation from God’s grace and favor—can overwhelm and drown a person in shame.

But God offers hope! As Psalm 51 teaches, when we come to Him and ask, God is merciful according to His unfailing love and great compassion. Without fail, He washes away all iniquity and cleanses us from sin, restoring us every time. God’s love and forgiveness are the ultimate answers to both self-inflicted shame and the unjust shame placed upon us by others. In both situations, the love of God is the remedy.

Ask Yourself

In what ways has shame taken root in my life?

Pause to Pray

If I feel shameful due to a sin I committed: Father God, according to First John 1:9, I choose right now to confess my sin to You. I acknowledge that what I did was unrighteous. But Lord, Your Word says that when I confess my sins to You, You are faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. “Faithful” means You will forgive me every time, and “just” means it’s the right thing for You to do, according to Jesus’ sacrifice on my behalf.

If I feel shameful due to someone pronouncing shame upon me: Father God, I forgive that person who pronounced shame over me, and I cast off that burden of shame. I refuse to agree with the enemy of my soul. Instead, I choose to agree with my God and You say that in Christ, I am now holy and righteous. I will no longer receive condemnation since I belong to Jesus.

Take a Next Step

Now that you have prayed to be free from shame, take action to oppose shame’s covering of your face by choosing to turn your face toward heaven. Smile at your heavenly Father who has forgiven you and washed shame away. Thank Him for how good He is!