Shame is a fierce adversary to a believer’s life. As hard as one tries, it is not conquered so easily. It has a way of rearing its ugly head, accusing us of the past, and condemning us in the present. Shame is defined as “a painful feeling of humiliation or distress caused by the consciousness of wrong or foolish behavior.” Thankfully God does not leave us to ourselves to fight the battle with shame alone. There is only one weapon strong enough and sharp enough to defeat an enemy like shame, and it is the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.
Psalm 3:3 is one of my favorite scriptures in the Bible. Whenever life has me down and my head bowed low, it is Psalm 3:3 that the Holy Spirit will whisper to my heart, “Chin up.” Read carefully, these amazing words: “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.” The next time shame tries to get the best of you, ask the Lord to lift your head, because He is your shield as well as your glory. There is no shame on you any longer. “Those who look to him are radiant, and their faces shall never be ashamed” (Psalm 34:5).
Here is a prayer to help you defeat shame:
Lord Jesus Christ, neither my past nor my sin defines me. I give shame no place in my life going forward, but I resolve to look to you and because my eyes are on you, you will become my shield and my glory. I shut the door on shame and regret, and I follow you with my whole heart. Make my life radiant and be the lifter of my head. In Jesus Name, Amen.