Let’s talk about Shame

First off, what is shame? Guilt and shame are often used interchangeably, but there are slight differences. Guilt is feeling bad about your actions and can sometimes be helpful, for example “I hurt my friend’s feelings, so I should apologize and try to make it up to them”. On the other hand, shame is feeling bad about yourself and is never helpful, for example “I hurt my friend’s feelings. I am a terrible person and they probably don’t want to be my friend anymore”

Today’s devotional is inspired by a song called “The Day That I Found God’ by Switchfoot. I  know this is my second devotional in a row inspired by a song, but music seems to speak to how I am feeling in a way that nothing else can. Here’s some excerpts from the song:

The Day That I Found God by Switchfoot

This noose ain't getting any looser

I get so fearful about the future

I hear the shame of my accuser 

But that ain't you

Where is God out in the darkness?

Cause the voices in my head ain't talking honest

They're saying maybe you made us then forgot us

But that ain't you, that ain't you no

And all I know is that I still don't know a lot

I don't know how it ends I'm in the middle of this plot

Yeah and I found grace for the man that I am not

I often feel a lot of guilt and shame when I’m deeply depressed. Feeling guilty about not helping around the house, feeling like I am a burden on my husband, and just generally having shame about my life when I am unable to do basic things. 

Does anyone else feel guilt related to their mood disorder that they want to share?

This song talks about our “accuser” the devil, the voice in our head that tells us we are not good enough, that God is disappointed in us and that we are not trying hard enough.

 Here are a couple of verses that speak of the accuser: Revelation 12:10-11, Zechariah 3:1-4. Does anyone have any thoughts on these verses?

In both these verses, God has triumphed over sin, and we are now blameless in His eyes, Therefore the devil has no right to accuse us.

When I feel overwhelming shame that weighs me down, I remember that shame comes from the accuser and that he is a liar. I am loved and valued by God, even in my darkest moments.

This Is Amazing Grace

Who breaks the power, of sin and darkness?

Whose love is mighty and so much stronger

The King of Glory

The King above all kings

Who shakes the whole earth with holy thunder

And leaves us breathless, in awe and wonder?

The King of Glory

The King above all kings

[Chorus]

This is amazing grace

This is unfailing love

That You would take my place

That You would bear my cross

You laid down Your life

That I would be set free

Oh, Jesus, I sing for

All that You've done for me

Who brings our chaos back into order?

Who makes the orphan a son and daughter?

The King of Glory

The King of Glory

Who rules the nations with truth and justice?

Shines like the sun in all of its brilliance

The King of Glory

The King above all kings

[Chorus]

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain (Slain)

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave (Conquered the grave)

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain (Slain)

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave (Conquered the grave)

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain (The Lamb who was slain)

Worthy is the King who conquered the grave

Worthy is the Lamb who was slain

Worthy, Worthy, Worthy

[Chorus]