Day 2: The Lies That Lead to Shame: Part I
In Genesis 2:25, sin had not yet entered the world. Regarding Adam and Eve, this verse says, “Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” It’s an extremely important verse in the Bible because it shows that God created the world in such a way that we would never experience shame.
But after sin enters the world, Adam and Eve recognize their nakedness, and they hide from God. God walks through the Garden of Eden and asks them two important questions. First, He asks, “Where are you?” And second, He asks, “Who told you that you were naked?” In that moment, God knew that Adam and Eve had experienced shame, and they only experienced it because they believed a lie from the enemy.
Now imagine for a moment that God is asking you the same questions. First, to anybody hiding from Him, He asks, “Where are you?”. And second, to anybody experiencing shame, He asks, “Who told you that you were stupid? Who told you that you were fat? Who told you that you were lazy? Who told you that you were ugly? Who told you that you’ll never amount to anything? Who told you…?” As you read today, consider this: There are many lies that lead to shame. Which lies do you hear most often?
READING:
Jeremiah 23:23-24; Hebrews 4:12-13; Psalm 139:7-12
There are many lies that lead to shame. Which lies do you hear most often? Which one lie do you hear most often?
When you hear these lies, how do you find yourself responding to them (eg. hiding from God, believing the lies, shaming others, etc)?
How would you respond to God if you heard Him ask the question, “Where are you?”
God is inviting you to live a life completely free from shame. What does this reveal to you about His nature and character?
PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I confess that I have believed many lies that have only brought me shame. By believing these lies, I have not only hidden from you, but have also used these same lies against others, leading them to experience shame. Forgive me for the times I have done this, and forgive me for the times when I haven’t fully trusted You. I no longer want to believe any of the lies that the enemy may throw my way. Instead, I simply want to focus on the love and grace that You and You alone can provide me in full. May I continually rejoice in that! I pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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