Shame is a prison as cruel as a grave. Shame is a robber and he’s come to take my name. Love is my redeemer lifting me up from the ground. Love is the power where my freedom song is found. – Ain’t No Grave | Bethel Music
Prisoner.
Doesn’t bring up the best feelings or images, does it? When I hear the word prisoner I think about chains and bars. The dread that comes each day due to the feelings of fear, discontentment, and hopelessness.
You do not have to be chained or behind bars to be a prisoner.
You can be a prisoner to worldly things. You can be a prisoner to the thoughts that the devil puts into our heads. You can be a prisoner to fear and shame.
Fear festers into shame. Shame generates doubt.
Doubt that causes us to wonder if God truly loves us and doubt His grace. Doubt that God can work in and through our lives. Doubt has the ability to dangerously affect our identity.
Scripture is clear to define God with one word: love (1 John 4:8). Love is the foundation and the fuel for His other characteristics — Creator, Sustainer, and Judge.
Thankfully, God does not throw us out when we experience doubt. His love sustains throughout our doubts, shame, and fears. Doubt can lead us closer to Him if we seek answers in the Word rather than letting it fester within our hearts.
Love is the redeemer who unchains us from our shackles. Turns our fear, shame, and doubts into a testimony. Love is where our freedom song is found.
