Embracing Our Shadow: A Journey to Authenticity

 

Summary

Psalm 139 invites us into a profound journey of self-exploration and divine intimacy. It begins with a candid complaint about God's omnipresence, akin to a child seeking privacy from a parent's watchful eye. Yet, as the psalm unfolds, it transforms into a celebration of being "fearfully and wonderfully made." This duality of fear and wonder reflects the complexity of our inner selves, often referred to as our "shadow" in Jungian psychology. Our shadow comprises those parts of ourselves we wish to hide, yet it also holds treasures waiting to be discovered.

The sermon encourages us to embrace our shadow, recognizing that our perceived flaws and quirks are integral to our identity. Like the psalmist, we are invited to ask God to "search me and know my heart," a bold request for divine examination that leads to self-discovery and growth. This process is not about judgment but about uncovering the beauty and potential within us, even in the parts we might initially reject.

The analogy of the dentist illustrates the importance of facing uncomfortable truths. Just as a thorough dental examination reveals hidden cavities, allowing God to search our hearts uncovers areas needing attention and healing. This divine scrutiny is not meant to shame but to liberate, breaking the power of hidden sins and fears.

Ultimately, the sermon calls us to live authentically, embracing both our strengths and weaknesses. By doing so, we can transform our triggers into opportunities for growth and service. The image of breaking barbed wire symbolizes the freedom found in accepting God's loving gaze, which empowers us to let go of burdens that are not ours to carry.

Key Takeaways:

1. Embracing the Shadow: Our shadow, the parts of ourselves we wish to hide, holds both challenges and treasures. By acknowledging and embracing these aspects, we can discover hidden strengths and potential. This journey requires courage and honesty, inviting God to search our hearts and reveal the beauty within. [58:58]

2. The Power of Divine Examination: Asking God to "search me and know my heart" is a transformative act. It is not about judgment but about uncovering areas needing healing and growth. This divine examination leads to self-discovery and liberation from hidden fears and sins. [01:06:00]

3. Facing Uncomfortable Truths: Like a thorough dental check-up, facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves can be daunting but necessary. It allows us to address hidden issues and embrace the freedom that comes from living authentically. [01:07:51]

4. Transforming Triggers into Growth: Our triggers, often rooted in our shadow, can be transformed into opportunities for growth. By understanding and embracing these triggers, we can respond with grace and wisdom, turning potential conflicts into moments of personal development. [01:08:43]

5. Living Authentically in God's Gaze: Embracing both our strengths and weaknesses allows us to live authentically. God's loving gaze empowers us to let go of burdens that are not ours to carry, breaking the power of hidden fears and enabling us to serve others with joy and freedom. [01:10:03]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[41:42] - Community Announcements
[56:49] - Cold Weather Reflections
[57:34] - Conversations on the Bus
[58:58] - Understanding Our Shadow
[01:01:29] - The Journey of Psalm 139
[01:06:00] - Divine Examination and Growth
[01:06:43] - The Parable of the Dentist
[01:07:51] - Facing Uncomfortable Truths
[01:08:43] - Responsibility and Forgiveness
[01:10:03] - Embracing Authenticity
[01:11:24] - Closing Blessing and Farewell

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 139

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 139:23 - "Search me, O God, and know my heart. Test me, and know my thoughts."

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Observation Questions:

1. How does the psalmist's initial complaint about God's omnipresence evolve throughout Psalm 139? [01:01:29]

2. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of asking God to "search me and know my heart"? [01:06:00]

3. How is the analogy of the dentist used to illustrate the process of divine examination? [01:06:43]

4. What role does the concept of the "shadow" play in understanding our triggers and personal growth? [58:58]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the psalmist's request for God to "search me and know my heart" reflect a desire for personal transformation rather than judgment? [01:06:00]

2. How might embracing our "shadow" lead to discovering hidden strengths and potential, according to the sermon? [58:58]

3. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between facing uncomfortable truths and achieving personal freedom? [01:07:51]

4. How can understanding and transforming our triggers be seen as opportunities for growth and service? [01:08:43]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a part of yourself that you consider a "shadow." How can you begin to embrace it as a potential source of strength? [58:58]

2. When was the last time you asked God to "search your heart"? What was the outcome, and how did it affect your personal growth? [01:06:00]

3. Think of a recent situation where you faced an uncomfortable truth about yourself. How did you handle it, and what did you learn from the experience? [01:07:51]

4. Identify a trigger in your life that often leads to conflict. How can you transform this trigger into an opportunity for personal development? [01:08:43]

5. Consider the burdens you carry that may not be yours to bear. How can you let go of these burdens and live more authentically in God's gaze? [01:10:03]

6. How can you apply the analogy of the dentist to your spiritual life, ensuring you address hidden issues rather than avoiding them? [01:06:43]

7. What steps can you take this week to live more authentically, embracing both your strengths and weaknesses in your interactions with others? [01:10:03]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing the Hidden Self
The journey of self-exploration in Psalm 139 invites us to confront our shadow, the parts of ourselves we often wish to hide. This shadow, as described in Jungian psychology, contains both our perceived flaws and hidden treasures. By acknowledging and embracing these aspects, we can uncover strengths and potential that lie dormant within us. This process requires courage and honesty, as we invite God to search our hearts and reveal the beauty within. The psalmist's transformation from fear to wonder exemplifies the profound growth that can occur when we face our inner complexities. [58:58]

"For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well." (Psalm 139:13-14, ESV)

Reflection: What is one aspect of your shadow that you have been avoiding? How can you invite God to help you embrace and understand this part of yourself today?


Day 2: The Transformative Power of Divine Examination
Inviting God to "search me and know my heart" is a bold and transformative act. This divine examination is not about judgment but about uncovering areas in our lives that need healing and growth. By allowing God to reveal our hidden fears and sins, we open ourselves to self-discovery and liberation. This process is akin to a thorough dental examination, where hidden issues are brought to light for healing. Embracing this divine scrutiny can lead to profound personal growth and freedom from the burdens we carry. [01:06:00]

"Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!" (Psalm 139:23-24, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel stuck or burdened? How can you invite God to examine this area and lead you towards healing and growth?


Day 3: Confronting Uncomfortable Truths
Facing uncomfortable truths about ourselves can be daunting, much like a thorough dental check-up. However, this process is necessary for addressing hidden issues and embracing the freedom that comes from living authentically. By confronting these truths, we can break the power of hidden fears and sins, allowing us to live more fully in God's grace. This journey requires honesty and vulnerability, as we allow God to reveal the areas in our lives that need attention and healing. [01:07:51]

"Let us test and examine our ways, and return to the Lord! Let us lift up our hearts and hands to God in heaven." (Lamentations 3:40-41, ESV)

Reflection: What is one uncomfortable truth about yourself that you have been avoiding? How can you take a step today to confront this truth and seek God's guidance in addressing it?


Day 4: Transforming Triggers into Growth Opportunities
Our triggers, often rooted in our shadow, can be transformed into opportunities for growth. By understanding and embracing these triggers, we can respond with grace and wisdom, turning potential conflicts into moments of personal development. This transformation requires a willingness to explore the underlying causes of our reactions and to seek God's guidance in responding differently. By doing so, we can grow in our ability to serve others with love and compassion. [01:08:43]

"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were triggered. What underlying issue might have caused this reaction, and how can you invite God to help you transform this trigger into an opportunity for growth?


Day 5: Living Authentically in God's Loving Gaze
Embracing both our strengths and weaknesses allows us to live authentically in God's loving gaze. This authenticity empowers us to let go of burdens that are not ours to carry, breaking the power of hidden fears and enabling us to serve others with joy and freedom. By accepting God's unconditional love, we can find the courage to be our true selves and to live out our unique calling. This journey of authenticity is a continual process of self-discovery and growth in God's grace. [01:10:03]

"For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ." (Galatians 1:10, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you feel you are not living authentically? How can you invite God's loving gaze to help you embrace your true self and live more fully in His grace today?

Quotes


I was looking at some information from Carl Jung, who talked about the shadow. The shadow side of ourselves, and he defined it like this. He said, it's that part of ourselves that we would most wish not to be. And notice that it's still part of ourselves. Shadow parts can't be cut away. Because to cut that part of yourself away would be to cut yourself away. [00:58:58] (27 seconds)


It's taken a while for me to figure out. One of the things that Young said is that in this shadow area, in this shadow space in our lives, are not only a whole lot of stuff that we'd rather not see, but there's some treasures there as well. And one of the things that I've discovered only late in life and really come to embrace, is that dolphins are great. They're great with kids. [01:00:41] (25 seconds)


And I have a ball on that bus being the kind of adult that meant so much to me when I was growing up and passing things on. And I've learned not only to live with that part of myself, but just embrace it, the sort of the goofy side. I still like to do other things too. [01:01:06] (23 seconds)


This is the sort of test. Have you ever been involved in a test experience where you're taking the test and all of a sudden, in the midst of the test, you begin to discover something you didn't know in the study session? Isn't that a most wonderful and extraordinary thing? I think that's the kind of test the psalmist is singing about here in this final and ultimate verse. Notice we've gone through this complaint. God, you're just everywhere. Could you just... Let me go for a while. Could you not stare at me? Could you not? You know, Jesus says, what is in the shadow, I will bring to the light and shout from the mountaintops. I don't want something shouted from the mountaintops. I'm embarrassed, right? We've been talking about it. I'm ashamed. [01:05:11] (49 seconds)


And God says, no, you're loved. You're awesome. Fearful. God knows maybe more than anyone. And wonderful. Absolutely wonderful. Can't be classified as this one thing because we are so many things. There's so much that's miraculous about us. And sometimes even and especially those things that we don't care about ourselves. [01:06:06] (30 seconds)


I thought of various places to go, but I want to end today with the parable of the dentist. Since we're talking about tests. Yeah, I see most of us enjoy the dentist about as much as I do. I want you to know that I was born with my grandmother's teeth. They were wonderful teeth. My grandmother lived to her, did she? 96. My grandmother lived to 96. No cavities. None. [01:06:34] (28 seconds)


And I lasted till about 30 with no cavities. None. And I sort of took it for granted. I mean, I brushed my teeth and everything. But when they said floss, I was like, yeah, whatever. Whatever. Right. So I remember I got my first cavity and the dentist was like, oh, I don't want to. You don't have any. And I was like, well, is it going to get better? And she said, no, it's not. And I said, well, let's drill away. [01:07:11] (24 seconds)


You shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free. I want to know one of the things that Young talks about is that when we look into that shadow place, when we go there, there are some things for which we can be responsible. And that doesn't just mean feel guilty about. It could mean sort of sift through and say, I'm done. I'm done with this. [01:08:43] (28 seconds)


It's one of my favorite song moments about about the way forgiveness works and the miracle of forgiveness. He breaks the power of canceled sin. He breaks its power. It's almost as if God is saying, whenever you're ready. You can stop. And even if it takes a little longer and you're not as ready as you thought you were, I am still with you. That's what's so wonderful about that. That glorious, graceful, loving gaze of God. [01:09:01] (35 seconds)


And there's no place on earth. And I have been to some far places. Vicki and I have both been to some far places that the psalmist sings about the uttermost parts of the sea, even there, even there. God is there to remind us how beautiful and wonderful. So search me and know me and help me to know myself. [01:09:45] (25 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?