A Game of Hide-and-Seek | How Shame Keeps Us from the Father’s Forgiveness

When we believe God is a begrudging Father, we hide from him. When we believe he’s frustrated at our repeated failure, we run away from him in fear instead of to him for forgiveness. When we believe we’ve gone too far this time, we cut ourselves off from the very power which helps us overcome sin. If, in my own imperfect motherhood, I respond with grace and mercy when I find my child buried in blankets and shame, how much more will our perfect Heavenly Father lavish us with his steadfast love and abundant mercy. Jesus reminded us, “If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask him!” (Matthew 7:11). Momma Theologians Practical/ Prayerful Takeaways Prayerful Takeaways Take some time to write down the areas of your life where you feel shame. Then turn the page and create a separate list of the promises of God that are yours in Christ. Hang these promises where you can see them and rehearse the truth when you feel ashamed. Be quick to confess your sin, both to God and to the person you have sinned against. Satan keeps us in our shame when he tempts us to believe we must hide our sin. Practical Takeaways One of the best ways I fight shame is through worship. Listen to songs such as “Before the Throne of God Above” (Sovereign Grace Worship) and “His Mercy is More” (Keith & Kristyn Getty)—which remind us we are free from sin and shame in Christ. Share your testimony with another person this week. Tell them how God has paid for your sin and covered your shame. We often can feel isolated in our shame, so when we proclaim the Good News in community, we encourage others to step out of their shame as well. ________________________________ Read the full essay here. We are so thankful you found us here! Momma Theologians is a new motherhood ministry podcast and our mission is to revive spiritual growth in the midst of motherhood. We offer resources, articles, essays, a monthly devotional newsletter and more at www.mommatheologians.com Be sure to follow us on social media @mommatheologians ______________________________ Momma Theologians Contributor Bethany Broderick Bethany Broderick lives in Birmingham, Alabama, with her husband, three-year-old daughter, and one-year-old son. A recovering perfectionist, she writes about resting in God’s grace in the everyday moments of life as a woman, wife, and mother. She is on the blog contributor team at The Joyful Life and has featured articles at Risen Motherhood, Coffee + Crumbs, and Kindred Mom. You can find her words on her personal blog (dwellingword.com) and on Instagram (@bethanygbroderick). TAGS* Christian Motherhood, Momma Theologian, Bible, Jesus, Women in the   Word, Women of the Word, Bible Study, Woman Bible Study, Risen   Motherhood, Journeywoman, Mothering in faith, Motherhood, Christian   Motherhood, Christian Mom Ministry, Children's Bible Study, Raising   Christian Children, Praying Mom, Help Me Teach the Bible,  Metanarrative,  Bible Study Tips