Healed From Shame

Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin.

Psalm 32:5

Pause

My friend Mary Ross Ward was fortyish and suffering from medical issues that baffled her doctors. In desperation, she saw a nurse practitioner who practiced standard medicine with a holistic bent. That appointment set her on a new course.

For years, Mary had lived with hidden shame from poor choices she’d made as a young woman. She knew God had forgiven her, but she could not forgive herself. The guilt she carried nearly destroyed her body. Hope came and healing followed as she began to understand that Christ’s death also erased her guilt.

King David hit a similar crisis of body and soul when hiding his adulterous affair (Psalm 32:3–5). Secrecy and shame sapped his strength and led to despair, but walking in the truth of God’s love and forgiveness set him free.

Can you relate to these stories? If so, release your guilt to God. He longs to bring healing to the hidden places in your heart.

Ponder

Reflect on the truth that Jesus took your guilt to the cross. You are free!

Pray

Lord, thank you for erasing my guilt and taking my shame.