When you’re ashamed

Brett Davis⠀⠀

Christian Surfers Founder

Psalm 32:2

Blessed is the one

whose sin the Lord does not count against them,

and in whose spirit is no deceit.

What is your reaction when you blow it or hurt someone with your sin? Make excuses? Blame someone else? Be crushed with shame? Or try to ignore the whole thing and hope it will go away? 

Psalm 32 is David’s honest talk with God. David says he initially held out, refused to admit his wrongdoing, and suffered inner torment that even manifested itself in physical illness. 

You and I can’t pretend our sin doesn’t affect us. If we try, we will find ourselves in the same boat as David, denying our guilt and shame, even as they eat away at our soul and even our body.

David says he finally confessed his wrongdoing to God – and what a relief when he finds that God forgives and restores! Then God says to David (and to you and me) in verses 8–9, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life”.

Not only that, He promises to “advise you and watch over you”. Imagine the world’s best surf coach tracking with you to empower you to be the best surfer you could possibly be! That’s the spiritual picture of mentorship and relationship described here.

God also says we shouldn’t allow our shame to force us to learn the hard way. “Do not be a senseless horse or mule that needs a bit and bridle to keep it under control.”

The final word from David when he finally gets it is, “Many sorrows come to the wicked, but unfailing love surrounds those who trust in the Lord”.

There is no room for shame in the loving relationship you can have with your heavenly Father. There is no need for it. Rather than shame eating away at your insides, the tonic of His love can cleanse you from the inside out.

Imagine being surrounded by the unfailing love of God. What security is there? What risks would you take? How free would that be? So don’t hold out. Willingly surrender your sin, your will, your heart to God – He has unfailing love for you waiting.

• Are there any secret corners of your heart that you are hiding from God? Are there mistakes or hurts that you’re ashamed to tell Him about?
• Ask Him to reassure you with the evidence of His unfailing love in your life. Ask Him to seek out those secret corners of your heart and allow your shame to be washed away by His love.