Psalm 119:28
My soul melts away for sorrow; strengthen me according to your word! Psalm 119:28
I must say that when I read this verse, my first reaction was too shallow. My first thought was about heaviness and melancholy (which seem to weigh on me this time of year). But at second glance the object of the beginning of the verse is “my soul” which is a much bigger statement.
When I think about “my soul melts away for sorrow” I think of the times when shame has gripped me and my very life’s energy “melts away.” This is not just sorrow and pain due to hurt. This “melting away” are those times when I feel that “I am a mistake.” When I feel not just less than but defective. “My soul melts away” is more about hopelessness and despair.
In those moments of deep pain, embarrassment, and shame my only hope is God’s Word. I need something much bigger than me to speak to my pain. I need strengthening that surpasses all understanding. I need rescue from believing lies. I need rescue from the deadly thoughts that are racing through my head. I need Truth. I need Life. I need Light.
At these times when shame interrupts my life, I find it hard to think clearly much less formulate complete sentences. My ability to communicate is interrupted and I need someone to communicate clarity to me. This is where the “strengthening of the Word” becomes so necessary. I do not need flattery, I need affirmation about who God is, what are His attributes and what does He promise. I need to remember the familiar stories of the Bible so that I do not feel alone or weird.
Shame is a very disorienting feeling, and it is a lie from the evil one. I am not a mistake, even if I make mistakes. I may be guilty of doing somethings wrong, but it does not mean “I am something wrong.” God did not make a mistake and He has promised to conform me into the image of Jesus. I reorient back to His truth, and He strengthens me according to His Word.
In counseling session application:
In what situations does shame arise in your life?
Can you recognize when others have shamed you or spoken to you using shameful language?
What does it look like when you feel guilty? When do you feel shame?
Outside the counseling session homework:
Write down the negative self-talk you hear yourself saying and examine for traces of shameful language.
Ask a safe friend if they hear you speaking negative self-talk or even unbiblical lies to yourself or others.
Be ready to share your findings at your next session.
Father, sometimes I get down and depressed over things in my life. Sometimes it is so painful that hopelessness and despair consume me. Father, draw me close. Do not leave me. Make me abide in you. My insecurities lie to me about my worth. I need to hear from Your Word. Bring your promises to my mind. Bring the truth of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection to the forefront of my thoughts. Calm my emotions with the truth of Your Word. Amen!
Burke Care is here to help you if you are struggling with hurt, disappointment, loss, or shame. You do not have to walk in hopelessness or despair. God has more for you, and we would love to walk alongside as you find hope through the Gospel of grace.
