Ashamed
In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness. – Psalms 31:1
There are many opportunities in life to feel shame, but shame is not limited to moments when we’ve done something wrong. The enemy often tries to make us feel ashamed, even when we’re stepping out in faith.
In today’s key verse, David expressed his deep trust in God, asking that He not allow him to be put to shame. This is a powerful reminder of how we can approach the times that feel uncomfortable or uncertain. As someone who writes and publishes frequently, I often put myself out there for criticism. Sometimes, when I invite others to contribute to a project, I’m met with enthusiasm and gratitude. But there are also times when I receive no response or interest, and that’s when the temptation to take it personally, feel embarrassed, or even question my decisions come into play.
There are also the occasions when past decisions or experiences surface—moments that others may not approve of. These can be the hardest, as shame attempts to creep in, making us feel small or defined by our mistakes. But no matter what the situation is, when we trust in the Lord and follow His guidance, He promises that we will not be put to shame.
David knew this all too well. As he stepped out in faith, making tough decisions and leading, he encountered countless opportunities to feel ashamed—whether from his failures, others’ judgments, or the challenges he faced. Yet, he chose to place his trust in God’s righteousness, knowing that God would never abandon him to shame if he remained faithful.
Maybe you have found yourself in similar situations. When you have stepped out in faith—whether it’s sharing a personal story, pursuing a new opportunity, or making a decision that might be misunderstood—there is always a risk of criticism, rejection, or failure. These moments are when shame tries to sneak in, whispering lies like, “You’ve made a mistake,” or “You’re not good enough.”
But just like David, you have a choice. You can choose to trust in God’s righteousness. When you place your trust in Him, you can be confident that He will protect you from shame. God sees your heart, knows your motives, and honors your faithfulness. Even if others misunderstand or you face setbacks, God is your defender and deliverer.
Lastly, It’s crucial to remember that shame is not from God. He doesn’t use it to teach or punish us. Instead, God offers grace, forgiveness, and a new identity in Christ Jesus. When shame tries to take root in your heart, reject it and reaffirm your trust in God’s love and righteousness.
Today I want to encourage you if you’re facing a situation where shame is trying to creep in, remember David’s words: “In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.” Stand firm in your trust in God, knowing that He will not allow you to be put to shame. He will deliver you, guide you, and cover you with His righteousness. No matter what you’ve faced in the past or what challenges lie ahead, God’s grace is greater than any shame the enemy tries to place on you. Trust in Him, and let His righteousness be your shield and your confidence today and everyday.
Today’s scripture reading: Psalms 31
1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust; Let me never be ashamed; Deliver me in Your righteousness.
2 Bow down Your ear to me, deliver me speedily; Be my rock of refuge, a fortress of defense to save me.
3 For You are my rock and my fortress; Therefore, for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me.
4 Pull me out of the net which they have secretly laid for me, for You are my strength.
5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth.
6 I have hated those who regard useless idols; But I trust in the Lord.
7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble; You have known my soul in adversities,
8 And have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy; You have set my feet in a wide place.
9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble; My eye wastes away with grief, yes, my soul and my body!
10 For my life is spent with grief, and my years with sighing; My strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away.
11 I am a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and am repulsive to my acquaintances; Those who see me outside flee from me.
12 I am forgotten like a dead man, out of mind; I am like a broken vessel.
13 For I hear the slander of many; Fear is on every side; While they take counsel together against me, they scheme to take away my life.
14 But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord; I say, “You are my God.”
15 My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand of my enemies, and from those who persecute me.
16 Make Your face shine upon Your servant; Save me for Your mercies’ sake.
17 Do not let me be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called upon You; Let the wicked be ashamed; Let them be silent in the grave.
18 Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak insolent things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous.
19 Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!
20 You shall hide them in the secret place of Your presence from the plots of man; You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues.
21 Blessed be the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city!
22 For I said in my haste, “I am cut off from before Your eyes”; nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried out to You.
23 Oh, love the Lord, all you His saints! For the Lord preserves the faithful, and fully repays the proud person.
24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord.