Truths that will Free You of Shame and Despair Now

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When I think about being in the “depths of despair”, I think of times when I was so overwhelmed by grief and emotion that it felt like I couldn’t breathe … like being underwater and not knowing the way to the surface.

Have you ever experienced the depths of despair? What about despair over a sin you committed?

That’s exactly where the writer of Psalm 130 found himself…

From the depths of despair, O Lord,
I call for Your help.
Hear my cry, O Lord.
    Pay attention to my prayer.
Lord, if You kept a record of our sins,
    who, O Lord, could ever survive?

Psalm 130:1–3

Sin despair can make us feel like we’re completely alone … “isolated and distant from God.” (LABnotes) And it’s understandable. That’s exactly what Adam and Eve felt after the first sin in the garden.

Genesis 3 tells us that they felt 1) naked and ashamed (v. 7) and 2) that they hid from God (v. 8).

But God…

Because of His grace, mercy, and love, He doesn’t keep a record of our sins and He doesn’t want us to hide in shame separated and isolated from Him.

He wants us to come to Him because He offers us complete and total forgiveness.

But you offer forgiveness,
    that we might learn to fear you.

Psalm 130:4

Remember that our definition of fearing the Lord is LOVING Him so very much that even the thought of disobeying and disappointing Him is devastating?

As I read this Psalm, I pictured the Prodigal Son returning to the loving embrace of His Father.

Jesus told the Prodigal parable to help us understand the Father’s reaction to the humble repentance of His children…

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him.” 

Luke 15:17–20

Do you think you’ve done something that God can’t or won’t forgive? That is a lie from the enemy himself.

We have God’s promises…

“There is forgiveness of sins for all who repent.” (Luke 24:47 – spoken by Jesus when He appeared to His disciples after His resurrection.)

He has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins. (Colossians 1:13–14)

 Because of the sacrifice of the Messiah, His blood poured out on the altar of the Cross, we’re a free people—free of penalties and punishments chalked up by all our misdeeds. And not just barely free, either. Abundantly free! (Ephesians 1:7–8a MSG)

God keeps His promises.

So, when you and I are overwhelmed by shame and despair we are reminded to “cry out” in humble repentance trusting that God is and always will be faithful to forgive.

6 Truths to Inspire Humble Repentance

1. God cleanses us from ALL unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)
2. God delivers us from the kingdom of darkness. (Colossians 1:13)
3. God casts our sins into the depths of the sea. (Micah 7:19
4. Removes them as far as the East is from the West. (Psalm 103:12)
5. And never remembers them again. (Hebrews 10:17)
6. The Lord’s steadfast love lasts forever. (Psalm 136)

If you are carrying the burden of shame and despair over anything you have done in the recent or distant past … Go Home! Trust the Father! He is watching and waiting to welcome you home with His love.

Let’s pray…

A Prayer of Repentance and Gratitude
for Freedom from Shame and Despair

Father, Your love amazes me. The enemy wants me to doubt Your willingness to forgive my disobedience. I want to fully trust and obey Your commands but I know I fall short every day. Jesus told His followers that their attitude was as important as their actions because the truth is … our thoughts and attitudes lead to our words and actions.

I’m so very sorry, Father. Please forgive me and please help me to have the courage and strength I need to love the way You desire. Jesus said that “love” is the heart of Your will for me … love for You and love for others. I want to love completely with all that I am. Please help me! I agree with the Psalmist, “If You kept a record of sins, who could survive.”

But with You, there is love and forgiveness. You faithfully watch and wait for Your children to return with humble repentant hearts. And when we do … You run to us and embrace us. You are unfailing love. Your love is so great that You gave Your Son to redeem us—to redeem me.

I love You, Lord. Your Word says, “The Lord watches over those who fear Him, those who rely on His unfailing love.” (Psalm 33:18) It is my desire to love and fear You … to worship and adore You so much that just the idea of disobeying You hurts my heart. Please help me. Guide me. And fill me with Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Charles Stanley wrote…

“When [you] stray from His presence, He longs for you to come back. He weeps that you are missing out on His love, protection, and provision. He throws His arms open, runs toward you, gathers you up, and welcomes you home.”

We can trust our Heavenly Father’s perfect unfailing love. There is no sin so great that He is unwilling to forgive it.

So, may we go to Him in humble repentance confident that He is faithful to keep His promise to forgive us and remove our sins completely.

God bless you with His perfect peace today as you rest in His love.

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