Four powerful ways to be instantly free from shame

II can’t imagine what David felt like.

King of the nation.  A warrior who killed Goliath.  Sweet psalmist of Israel.

He committed adultery and murdered the woman’s husband—a husband who happened to be one of his top 37 warriors in the army.

Guilt.  Shame.  Regret.  Depression.  Emptiness.  Every possible negative emotion engulfed him.

Here are four ways David got free and how you can be free as well:

1. Forgive Me”:  Ask for His MERCY.

God does not wink at sin.  He despises it.  However, if a person will truly repent of that sin, He loves to be merciful.

‘“Have mercy on me, oh God.” (Ps. 51:1).

God is merciful. He may allow some of the consequences of sin to happen (as he did with David).  

But His most profound nature is mercy.  The Prodigal Son’s father ran to meet his son even before the son said a word.

Run to him.  Admit your sin.  Ask for His mercy.

2. “Wash me”:  Ask for His CLEANSING.

David felt his huge sin like a stain, like a corrupt filth inside his heart.  He couldn’t shake it.

He asked God to “wash me, and I will be whiter than snow” (Ps. 51: 7).

In other words, restore my sense of being “clean” again.

There’s no better feeling than having a clean heart and conscience that no longer plagues you.

Receive that cleansing.  Let the blood of Christ be like a spiritual “detergent” that makes your heart white as snow.

3. “Restore me”:  Ask for His JOY.

Depression and guilt go together.  You are so frustrated that you can’t change your mistakes that it leaves you hopeless.

“Let me hear joy and gladness;  let the bones that you have broken rejoice” (Ps. 51: 8)

God actually wants to restore your joy. True, deep repentance brings God's presence back. The Holy Spirit fills you again with God’s presence and joy.

It’s not a flippant giddiness.  It is a deep, abiding sense of an inward smile, the smile of God’s favor on your life.

God can “reset” your broken heart and make it laugh again.

4.  “Use me”:  Ask Him to open doors for ministry again.

Can God ever use me after I messed up?  “Yes.”

You can’t let your mistake(s) define you for life.  God still has a will for your life as long as you are on the earth.

Jonah, there is still a call to preach in Ninevah.

Don’t live in the fish!

Go, fulfill what God has called you to do.

Help anyone you can.  Share your testimony of God’s mercy with those in a similar position.

You didn’t just overlook your great sin.  You repented sincerely, were cleansed of it, and have been restored in the Holy Spirit.

Samson prayed, “Oh Lord God, please remember me and please strengthen me only this once, Oh God…”  (Judges 16:28)

His mercy is great.  His cleansing is deep.  His restoration is complete.  His plan is perfect.

THAT’S how you get instantly free….from shame.