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).

Prayerful Takeaways

1. 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.
2. 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

1. 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.
2. 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.

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Read the full essay here.

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Momma Theologians is a new motherhood ministry podcast and our mission is to revive spiritual growth in the midst of motherhood.

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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).

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