The opening lyrics to “Call it Grace” by Unspoken, create a powerful visual of God’s unconditional love for us: “ It’s the light that pierces through you to the darkest hidden place. It knows your deepest secrets, but it never looks away.” It’s hard to imagine having a relationship with someone who loves and accepts us regardless of what we’ve said or done.
So often we hide our true feelings or past experiences from others for fear of being exposed, judged or alienated. These secrets create a hole in our heart which fills up with pain and shame. The more secrets, the bigger the hole, the more pain and shame, the heavier the heart. Finally, the heart is so weighed down, there’s barely any room left for peace, love or joy. This is no way to live… God wants more for us.
We can find hope in Ephesians 2:4-5~
“ But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.”
Life Application~
The Hebrew verbal root of grace means to “pitch a tent” or “to camp.” The ancient Hebrews set up their camps with tents in a circle like formation to form a protective barrier from outside enemies. Today, grace can literally be our place of protection that God provides us when we suffer from the shame of our past actions or thoughts. It’s this safe space where we can confess our hurts and sins to God without fear of judgement or consequence. We can ask for his forgiveness and when we receive it, regardless of how the world may condemns us, God puts his stamp of approval on us that releases us from the burden of our sins. This act of asking and receiving activates God’s grace toward us. Not only does grace free us from pain and shame, it restores our relationship with our Heavenly Father and grants us a place with Him in eternity.
Prayer~
Heavenly Father, I humbly ask for your forgiveness and for freedom from the shame of past sins and painful experiences. I want to be made new in You. Thank you for showing me mercy and extending your grace over my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
By: Angel Slawinski
