Promises, Peace, & Journal Prompts for Fear & Anxietyনমুনা

Fear of Humiliation and Shame

I was tasked to play Santa. And I was seven. The school play had come around and I didn’t have many lines, but I was still so nervous about delivering them.

And I forgot them all.

When it came time to say my lines, I blanked. And I cried out in humiliation to my teacher down below the stage: “What’s my line?!”

And then I made a vow. Never again. Never again will I be publicly humiliated in front of others, on a stage, without my lines.

But here I am, a public speaker and Bible teacher. For my actual job. But I’ll have you know, it has taken me years of practice to walk away from my carefully crafted notes, to trust the Spirit, and to let the words flow as I speak.

We all fear humiliation or shame. Maybe it has been the narrative since we were young. Maybe junior high did a number on you, and you’re still recovering. Maybe it’s been really public, or maybe more private.

Whatever the case, God is not interested in playing the shame game with us. In fact, He is most interested in letting us know He has been victorious in that game, and we are free. He has taken our shame and made us secure.

Jesus Himself took ALL of our shame and our humiliation on the cross so that we could live freely without the fear of it any longer. His beard was torn out to humiliate Him. He was stripped naked to bring shame on Him. He was spit on to degrade Him. But every bit of this humiliation was nailed and left on the cross. He buried all shame and we are now hidden in Him. His glory is our glory. We are now found in His resurrection life, secure and safe.

Paul writes,

“So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” Romans 8:1

“Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” - Hebrews 12:2

And again, “He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross.” - Colossians 2:14

Jesus has cancelled our shame. He has taken away our humiliation. We are secure, safe, and free as we are hidden in Him and His righteousness and His identity.

Journal Prompt: Think of a moment when you were humiliated. How old were you? What was that experience like? Write down the details you remember. Now consider what Jesus did on the cross. He nailed your shame to it and canceled our record of wrongs, shame, and humiliation. In really large handwriting, write the word “canceled” across the humiliating moment you just described. Sit in the goodness of being free from shame. Even if you don’t feel it, sit in the truth.

Suggested Practice: Place your hand on your chest and slowly repeat five times, “My shame is taken care of and I am secure.”