Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. — Psalm 34:5 NIV
I want to tell you something you might not yet know: Everybody’s deepest secrets are the same. If I told you everything I desperately don’t want anybody to know about me and you told me everything you desperately don’t want anybody to know about you and we compared notes, we would discover, at the foundation, that our secrets are the same.
Yes, they may show up in different ways. Some of us may have life-controlling issues or memories that are deeply embarrassing, but, at the root, these are all driven by the same stuff — the same stuff that inhabits all of us.
Here’s another voice that quietly kills us from the inside: "It’s my fault."
This is different than the convicting voice of the Holy Spirit that says, "You need to make this right." This is a condemning, debilitating voice that drains our life away. We feel that we are carrying around this terrible, terrible secret, this burden too great to bear.
All the evidence may point to the contrary. It wasn’t your fault, but when this voice is in play, we can’t look at the evidence; we can only feel the pain of shame.
There is a Greater Voice. The One who is Truth wants to take away this burden. It wasn’t your fault. Let Him come to the place you most fear to bring Him; let Him come to the place you believe will cause Him to hate you forever and there discover His ocean of love.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. Dwight and his wife Kim provide prayer ministry for inner healing / transformation and coaching in prayer ministry. He is available to speak to your group or church. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.