“Then I shall not be put to shame,
having my eyes fixed on all your commandments.” Psalm 119.6
The psalmist has laid out the spiritual blessings of keeping one’s life according to God’s Word. He has demonstrated his dependence upon the Lord to establish his ways. Now, he moves on to give one of the most profound blessings of a life guided by Scripture.
When our ways are established by God’s Word, we’re freed from shame and guilt. This amazing blessing cannot be overstated. The mental and emotional toil that sin takes on a person is immense. Living according to God’s Word—trusting in what it reveals about the Lord, his will, and his ways—frees us from that despair. It frees us from a life shame.
Are you struggling with guilt and shame? If so, consider the ways that your life is out of line with the truth of Scripture and ask the Lord—in his kindness and mercy—to lead you in faithful repentance. Then, enjoy the unparalleled joy that comes when your Lord removes that shame.
This joy is impossible apart from Christ, apart from Him removing the stain of sin and imputing His righteousness to you. “For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures” (1 Cor. 15:3-4). This is the gospel, the path to freedom from sin and shame—a path only found in Scripture.
If you have not known that freedom, I pray that you repent and believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your abounding grace. Thank you for giving us your Word, your revelation, the only path to a life freed from shame and guilt. May we ever trust in you and your Word to guide us.