4.25.23 - Psalm 34:5
We all have places, memories, ideas that we'd rather not acknowledge. How might you invite God to open these places to let them breathe?
Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.
Often, shame sits heavy on my bones, a memory, scent, or season can bring me back to the awful sinking place of my shame. It makes me feel small and too much all at once.
Psalm 34 reminds me to take that shame and turn it back to God.
My shame comes from my struggles with disordered eating for two decades. My therapist at the time would ask me to invite Jesus into my hardest moments of disordered eating.
This meant I spent a lot of time sitting in the glow of an open refrigerator weeping, wailing, eating, and starving.
I would repeat, again and again: Jesus, you are welcome. Jesus, you see me here. Jesus, I know you love me here.
It's hard to hold your head high when you are ashamed. It's easier to stand tall when you feel loved.
With time and grace, the glow of the refrigerator no longer brought feelings of shame. The invitation became a mantra and a way to experience God in those difficult moments.
As you imagine the day ahead, where does God need an invitation to dwell with you?
--Jeanette Rojas
Want to make your commitment to doing things differently stick?
Share it with someone.