As I sat in one of the most familiar places- the church pew- I felt more like an outsider than I ever had. The stirring of the Holy Spirit prompted me to respond when the sound of worship filled the sanctuary, yet I was unable to move. I stood frozen. That voice in the back of my mind was speaking again. Reminding me of all the things I’d done wrong. Mocking me about even considering raising my hands in worship. Telling me I was a hypocrite, unworthy to be in God’s house. Let alone participating in the service. I was filled with shame as I began to agree with the lies of my greatest enemy. I look back now and grieve for the young woman I was those first few years of college. Raised in church all her life with still so much to learn about God’s love, mercy and redemption. I now realize it was necessary for me to understand the difference between the truth (God) and lies (Satan).
Have you ever felt that your sin disqualifies you from even stepping foot in the house of God? Maybe you have no problem attending, but participating in worship or serving in the church makes you feel like a fraud. Let me let you in on the truth…shame is not of God, but LOVE is. He lovingly corrects us when we get off track. On the contrary, the enemy condemns and uses shame to attack your identity and keep you exactly where you are.
I’ve been there, and let me tell you…those lies running through your head have taken up space long enough. Shame is not of God. It’s time to remind yourself of the truth of His word and the love He has for you. It’s not dependent on our performance or perfection. His GRACE covers a multitude of sins. When Jesus died on that cross, he took responsibility for every sin we would ever commit and paid the ultimate price so that we could have the opportunity to spend eternity with Him.
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” –Romans 8:37-39
Lift your head, clear your heart, raise your hands, and receive the love of the Father. He’s been waiting for you with open arms. He’s never left you, and He will never turn you away when you come to Him with a heart of repentance. You’re loved so deeply.
Have you read my article on Renewing Your Mind in 5 Easy Steps?
