My past failures brought me shame and guilt. Times I spoke unkind words or carelessly retold a story haunt me.  I ate to soothe away self-disgust.  More shame flowed throughout my brain since I couldn’t stop stuffing food down my mouth.  Additional guilt over lack of self-control made me miserable.

God is the only one able to lift me out of my pit.  Psalm 34:5 is, “Those who look to him for help will be radiant with joy; no shadow of shame will darken their faces.” (Holy Bible, New Living Translation, 1996, 2004, 2007)  God takes my shame away when I seek Him.  He gives me the strength to deal with consequences from my imperfect actions.  I grow from my pain instead of it beating me down.  God not only heals shame, He also helps me change my behavior.

God shows me how to turn mistakes into opportunities to learn.  I have hurt friends with unthinking, casual speech. God showed me that I need to use my words carefully so I can build others up.  He helps me grow by guiding my thinking before I speak.  God changes me so I don’t keep making the same mistakes.  I am free to walk away from shame.