Never Be Shamed Again

***And never again will my people be shamed...Joel 2:26, 27***

I looked out on the sea of faces, men and women, black and white, young and old, and saw their eyes. Eyes that a few minutes before were downcast, but now were intently listening.

**Never Again Be Shamed.**

I've seen faces of shame before in my role as teacher, counselor, parent and friend. I've known shame before others and God. **I've also known freedom from its grip.**

*Have you ever felt shame?* As a child, were you shamed by an adult that was demeaning or undeserved? As an adult, do you feel shame because of insecurities, weaknesses, or choices you've made? ***Does shame cling to your conscious, whispering condemning truths in your ear?***

Shame recently visited me with a vengeance. I didn't like it.

**Shame is a tool of the conscious that keeps us chained to our past**.

Shame is also used by the enemy of God to keep us condemned in a life of destruction. Your self-talk says, "*You're worthless. Look what you've done. You are not worthy of forgiveness or grace.*" **Shame is one of the craftiest tools of our conscious to keep us in the pit of depravity. **

I recently spoke on Joel 2 at the ARISE conference. In the forgotten words of this beautiful chapter, God says, "**My people will never be shamed again." Joel 2:26 (NIV)**

It's a truth I need to hear over and over again, do you?

**Never be shamed again.**

***Is your past defining your future? Are you stuck in the shame of past choices?*** There's no denying we live with consequences of our choices. I was recently reminded of actions from my past. But as I walk in forgiveness, repentance, change and grace, I have to **release the past to my Father and move forward in the knowledge of His goodness. ** When we do this, God promises

"I will repay the years the locusts have eaten." Joel 2:25[](https://brendayoder.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/ID-100179735.jpg)

Do you need God to payback years of regret and pain?

Releasing shame isn't just* turning away from your past*, but **turning towards God, praising Him for what He has done, is doing, and will do in your life.** *When we praise Him, we release the abundance of His will and goodness on the mess of our past.* When we walk out of our shame in our own power, we risk of walking back into the facts and feelings of our past. **When we leave shame behind, walking in the power of praise, God's promise from Joel 2:26 becomes real.**

***Never again will my people be shamed.***

Do you need to dispel the condemnation of shame from your past? **Receive these words, praise God for His promises, and walk in freedom.** If you have never known a personal relationship with God who releases shame, I invite you to pursue Him, asking Him to show you His freedom. **I'd love to walk on either journey with you** for encouragement or as a prayer partner. Feel free to email me at brenda@brendayoder.com.

**"There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Roman 8:1**

*Father, thank you for the freedom you bring through the power of your son Jesus Christ. Thank you that through His death and resurrection, we can have eternal life, a personal relationship with you full of freedom, joy, and peace. For each person needing release from shame, I ask you draw them to you today and allow them to know the power of your words, "Never again will my people be shamed." Amen.*