Cover their faces with shame so that men will seek your name, O Lord. Psalm 83:16
I have always believed my shame is an enemy. It longs to see me hide from the world. Under the cover of darkness, others cannot see what I am really doing - what I am really thinking. Shame keeps telling me, "If they really knew you, there are none who wouldn't reject you!"
Isn't it interesting, though, how one man's shame - the very thing that keeps him hidden in darkness - shines light for other men to follow? There are so many lessons that are learned that can bring hope and life to others - if only a man is willing to share them. The hope that one finds in the shame of another can be a path to righteousness, for knowing the pitfalls can often keep us from falling.
The challenge is: how many men trapped in shame are willing to share? The very nature of shame is to hide the truth. Sharing anything is contrary to what a man would choose. How can one who is lost in the darkness find the courage - how can he find the hope for his own freedom?
Truth can set any man free!
The blood of Jesus Christ was shed for the sins of every man. He bore our shame, so we can life. This is truth!
Father, help me to set aside my shame. Help me to see the light others are shining. Help me to follow the light of Your Son. Be glorified, O Lord. Use everything in my life - even the things I would hide - for good according to Your great purpose.