Transforming Sadness into Healing: Overcoming Shame

 

Summary

In our time together, we explored the profound difference between sadness and shame, using the story of Simba from "The Lion King" as a metaphor for how sadness can transform into shame. Sadness is a natural emotion, a part of the human experience that God has given us. It is something we all feel at different points in our lives, whether due to the loss of a loved one, a breakup, or other personal disappointments. However, the enemy, much like Scar in Simba's story, whispers lies that turn our sadness into shame, isolating us from others and from God.

We delved into the biblical narrative of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, where they initially lived without shame. It was only after they disobeyed God and listened to the serpent's lies that shame entered their lives, causing them to hide from God. This story illustrates how shame can lead us to isolate ourselves, not just from others but from God, who is the very source of healing and restoration.

Psalm 34 reminds us that God is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. When we feel the urge to run from God due to shame, it is actually a sign that we should run towards Him. God knows our sins and loves us despite them, as demonstrated by Christ's sacrifice on the cross. This love is unconditional and ever-present, even when we feel unworthy.

To combat shame, we must be mindful of who we listen to. The enemy will try to convince us that we are beyond redemption, but God's Word tells us otherwise. Surrounding ourselves with wise, godly counsel can help us hear the truth over the enemy's lies. We must remember that God's plan for us is to live free from shame, embracing His love and forgiveness.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sadness vs. Shame: Sadness is a natural emotion that signals something is wrong, but shame tells us something is wrong with us. This distinction is crucial because while sadness can lead us to seek comfort and healing, shame isolates us and makes us hide from God and others. [08:10]

2. The Enemy's Lies: Just as the serpent deceived Adam and Eve, the enemy uses lies to turn our sadness into shame. These lies make us believe we are unworthy of God's love and forgiveness, causing us to isolate ourselves. Recognizing these lies is the first step in overcoming shame. [17:25]

3. God's Unconditional Love: Despite our sins, God's love for us is unwavering. Romans 5:8 reminds us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, demonstrating the depth of God's love. This truth counters the enemy's lies and reassures us of our worth in God's eyes. [17:25]

4. Running to God: When we feel the urge to run from God due to shame, it is a sign that we should run towards Him. God is close to the brokenhearted and desires to heal and restore us. Embracing this truth can transform our lives and free us from the bondage of shame. [17:25]

5. Community and Wise Counsel: Surrounding ourselves with wise, godly people can help us hear the truth over the enemy's lies. These individuals can provide support, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to live in the freedom and love that God intends for us. [17:25]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Sadness and Shame
- [01:45] - The Lion King and the Transition from Sadness to Shame
- [03:20] - Personal Experiences of Sadness
- [05:00] - Biblical Story of Adam and Eve
- [08:10] - The Entrance of Shame in the Garden
- [10:00] - The Enemy's Lies and Isolation
- [12:30] - God's Response to Our Shame
- [14:00] - Psalm 34: God's Nearness to the Brokenhearted
- [15:30] - Running Towards God
- [17:25] - The Importance of Listening to God
- [19:00] - Surrounding Ourselves with Wise Counsel
- [21:00] - Story of the Father and Son
- [23:00] - Jesus' Sacrifice and Love for All
- [25:00] - Conclusion and Prayer

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 2:25 - "Now the man and his wife were both naked, but they felt no shame."
2. Genesis 3:7-10 - "At that moment their eyes were opened, and they suddenly felt shame at their nakedness. So they sewed fig leaves together to cover themselves. When the cool evening breezes were blowing, the man and his wife heard the Lord God walking about in the garden. So they hid from the Lord God among the trees. Then the Lord God called to the man, 'Where are you?' He replied, 'I heard you walking in the garden, so I hid. I was afraid because I was naked.'"
3. Psalm 34:17-18 - "The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed."

#### Observation Questions
1. What was the state of Adam and Eve before the fall, according to Genesis 2:25? How did this change after they ate the fruit? [08:10]
2. In Genesis 3:7-10, what actions did Adam and Eve take after they felt shame? How did they respond to God's presence? [08:10]
3. According to Psalm 34:17-18, how does God respond to those who are brokenhearted or crushed in spirit? [17:25]
4. How does the sermon describe the transition from sadness to shame using the story of Simba from "The Lion King"? [08:10]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the story of Adam and Eve illustrate the difference between sadness and shame? What role does the enemy play in this transition? [08:10]
2. Why is it significant that God asks Adam, "Where are you?" in Genesis 3:9, even though He is omniscient? What does this reveal about God's character? [08:10]
3. How does Psalm 34:17-18 challenge the lies of the enemy regarding God's response to our brokenness and shame? [17:25]
4. In what ways does the sermon suggest that community and wise counsel can help us combat the lies of the enemy and overcome shame? [17:25]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt sadness that turned into shame. How did you respond, and what could you have done differently to seek God's comfort instead? [08:10]
2. When you feel the urge to hide from God due to shame, what practical steps can you take to run towards Him instead? [17:25]
3. Identify a lie that the enemy has whispered to you in the past. How can you counteract this lie with the truth of God's Word? [17:25]
4. How can you ensure that you are surrounding yourself with wise, godly counsel? What steps can you take to build a supportive community around you? [17:25]
5. Think of a person in your life who might be struggling with shame. How can you offer them support and remind them of God's unconditional love? [17:25]
6. What specific action can you take this week to remind yourself of God's love and forgiveness, especially when you feel unworthy? [17:25]
7. How can you incorporate the truth of Psalm 34:17-18 into your daily prayer life, especially during times of sadness or shame? [17:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Sadness as a Signal, Not a Sentence
Sadness is a natural emotion that signals something is wrong, but shame tells us something is wrong with us. This distinction is crucial because while sadness can lead us to seek comfort and healing, shame isolates us and makes us hide from God and others. Sadness is a part of the human experience, a God-given emotion that helps us process loss, disappointment, and grief. It is a signal that something in our life needs attention or healing. However, when sadness is twisted into shame, it becomes a destructive force that tells us we are inherently flawed or unworthy. This transformation from sadness to shame is often fueled by lies that isolate us from others and from God. [08:10]

In the story of Simba from "The Lion King," we see how sadness over his father's death is manipulated by Scar into a deep sense of shame, causing Simba to run away and hide from his true identity. Similarly, in our lives, the enemy uses lies to turn our sadness into shame, making us believe we are unworthy of love and forgiveness. Recognizing this distinction is the first step in seeking healing and restoration.

Psalm 42:11 (ESV): "Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you in turmoil within me? Hope in God; for I shall again praise him, my salvation and my God."

Reflection: Think of a recent moment of sadness in your life. How can you acknowledge it as a signal for healing rather than allowing it to turn into shame?


Day 2: Recognizing the Enemy's Lies
The enemy uses lies to turn our sadness into shame, making us believe we are unworthy of God's love and forgiveness, causing us to isolate ourselves. Recognizing these lies is the first step in overcoming shame. Just as the serpent deceived Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the enemy whispers lies that distort our perception of ourselves and our relationship with God. These lies tell us that we are beyond redemption, that our mistakes define us, and that we must hide from God and others. [17:25]

In the biblical narrative, Adam and Eve lived without shame until they listened to the serpent's lies, leading them to hide from God. This story illustrates how shame can lead us to isolate ourselves from the very source of healing and restoration. By recognizing these lies and rejecting them, we can begin to break free from the bondage of shame and embrace the truth of God's love and forgiveness.

2 Corinthians 10:5 (ESV): "We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ."

Reflection: Identify a lie you have believed about yourself. How can you replace it with the truth of God's Word today?


Day 3: Embracing God's Unconditional Love
Despite our sins, God's love for us is unwavering. Romans 5:8 reminds us that Christ died for us while we were still sinners, demonstrating the depth of God's love. This truth counters the enemy's lies and reassures us of our worth in God's eyes. God's love is not conditional on our performance or our ability to live a perfect life. It is a love that is constant, unchanging, and available to us even in our moments of deepest shame. [17:25]

The sacrifice of Christ on the cross is the ultimate demonstration of this love, showing us that we are valued and cherished by God. When we feel unworthy or beyond redemption, we can look to the cross as a reminder of the depth of God's love for us. This love invites us to come as we are, to receive forgiveness and healing, and to live in the freedom of being fully known and fully loved.

Ephesians 3:17-19 (ESV): "So that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unworthy of love. How can you embrace the truth of God's unconditional love for you today?


Day 4: Running Towards God, Not Away
When we feel the urge to run from God due to shame, it is a sign that we should run towards Him. God is close to the brokenhearted and desires to heal and restore us. Embracing this truth can transform our lives and free us from the bondage of shame. In moments of shame, our instinct may be to hide from God, believing that we are unworthy of His presence. However, the Bible assures us that God is near to those who are brokenhearted and crushed in spirit. [17:25]

Psalm 34 reminds us that God is not distant or indifferent to our pain; rather, He is actively seeking to heal and restore us. When we run towards God, we find a loving Father who welcomes us with open arms, ready to forgive and renew us. This act of running towards God, rather than away, is a powerful step in breaking free from shame and experiencing the fullness of His love and grace.

Isaiah 57:15 (ESV): "For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: 'I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite.'"

Reflection: When you feel the urge to hide from God, what steps can you take to run towards Him instead?


Day 5: The Power of Community and Wise Counsel
Surrounding ourselves with wise, godly people can help us hear the truth over the enemy's lies. These individuals can provide support, encouragement, and accountability, helping us to live in the freedom and love that God intends for us. In the journey of overcoming shame, community plays a vital role. When we isolate ourselves, we become more susceptible to the enemy's lies and the weight of shame. [17:25]

However, when we surround ourselves with wise and godly counsel, we gain access to a support system that can speak truth into our lives. These individuals can help us discern the lies we have believed, remind us of God's promises, and encourage us to live in the freedom of His love. By engaging in authentic relationships and seeking accountability, we can experience the transformative power of community in our spiritual journey.

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."

Reflection: Who are the wise, godly people in your life that you can turn to for support and accountability? How can you intentionally engage with them this week?

Quotes

"shame enters in the picture and Simba runs away leaving everything that's good behind like this makes sense we get it because every one of us in this room like we felt sadness we felt shame or felt ashamed sometimes we felt sadness like from big things if you haven't you will I mean like maybe a loss of a grandparent or a parent aunt or uncle a loss of somebody that was really important to us and it is a huge weight of sadness and then what can happen is the bad guy the enemy the devil whispers things to a young person like it's your fault that this person passed away you're responsible for it something bad happens maybe somebody in your family gets a major disease or something like that sad absolutely and the enemy begins to whisper if somebody had just done this if you had just done that maybe it's not something that like that big not like a loss could be something that's smaller but still feels big we felt sadness like with a breakup or maybe you get cut from a team or something like that and sadness sits in but what the enemy does that the bad guy does is leans in and starts to place blame on you and that's when it moves" [00:02:20] (74 seconds)


"from sadness to shame. And what we're going to see tonight is sadness is an emotion that God's given us, we all have. But God doesn't want us to live in shame. Sadness is natural. You're going to have it. You're going to feel it. You can't live life without feeling sad at some point. But what shame does, shame will cause you to isolate. We saw it in the video. Like Disney was not trying to set up this biblical message. But shame makes you run away. Shame brings embarrassment. Shame brings I'm all alone. Shame brings it's my fault and I don't want to tell anybody. And so I'll just isolate and keep totally to myself. And I'll never open up with what's happened that's made me sad. And it becomes this spiral that goes down. Well, we're going to read a little bit of a story. You might have read this story before. If you've ever tried to read your Bible, you might have started in the book of Genesis. It's the first one." [00:03:34] (54 seconds)


"what god created for them eden perfection where he placed man and what god's plan was wasn't about them being naked it was about the second part they felt no shame there was no shame in the garden like for us like y 'all had that y 'all had that dream that you went to school and just your underwear naked like anybody have that dream i am not the only person that's had that dream if you've had that dream i real i feel like i'm all alone right now y 'all never had the dream that you went to school like in just your underwear thank you guys for yes it's a terrible dream lots of people have it and you wake up you wake up as a kid feeling the shame and it's like a dream it wasn't even real like that that's how uncomfortable this is but god's plan and purpose was a place where he was and people were and there was no shame then i'm not going to read the whole story where we'll skip down to part they're in the garden they really have one thing they've been commanded to do there's a tree in the center of the garden god calls it the tree of the knowledge the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden says the tree of the garden god says the tree of the garden" [00:05:55] (72 seconds)


"Psalm 34 give me a second I was just gonna read it from the screen verse 17 and 18 says this now you can't read it up there so just trust me here says the Lord hears his people when they called him for help he rescues them from all their troubles the Lord is close to the broken -hearted he rescues those whose spirits are crushed like that's the picture of God like when your spirits crushed when you're broken -hearted when you're sad when you when you're at rock bottom when the enemy's whispering untruths and lies about shame into your life God is saying hey come to me problem is shame makes us isolate we actually run from God when we should be running to God right like so here just if you're a note -taker write this down the moment you feel like you you want to run from God is the sign that you should be running to him like the moment you go like I don't want to go yeah I'm running from God no that's that that should be the wake -up call that you're in a dangerous place that you're about to run this direction and God's that direction and that should be the warning sign that goes I feel like I need to run" [00:10:35] (72 seconds)


"that should be the sign that okay i need to go to god and let him step in and be and be the lord who's close to the brokenhearted to be one who's going to rescue me because that's what he wants to do but we get caught listening to the wrong person the scar in our life the devil who says god's never going to love you you've messed up this time here's what the enemy says some of you all resonate with this you've told god sorry about that 343 times 344 is too much you ever had that conversation it's the devil lying to that god is going to turn his back on you he loves you here's the thing we know about the garden of eden god is omniscient that means he's all -knowing he knew exactly where adam and eve were he knew exactly what was going to happen when he comes and says where are you it wasn't because he didn't know it was a question he wanted adam to answer to face up to the fact that he had bought into a lie where are you here's another thing if you're a note taker you need to take a picture of this because here here's a a good description of sadness versus shame can you get that next slide i think it's the next one" [00:12:56] (71 seconds)


"while we were still sinners God loved you so much that in the midst of your sin while you were still sinning like and God knows your sin past he knows what's happened he knows what you did today he knows what's gonna happen tomorrow he knows it all and in the height of it knowing it all Jesus went to the cross for you you think you think the enemy's telling the truth when he said God doesn't love you maybe the enemy's lying when he says God doesn't care because God already knew it all like like there's not something you're doing right now that you've done or will do then when it happens God's gonna be like oh wow that was a bad one I don't know about her now when he went to the cross and he knew it all and he went to the cross anyway because he loved you so much he wanted a relationship with you and he knew that not dying on if he didn't die on the cross and resurrect from the grave your sin couldn't be forgiven and you couldn't have a relationship with him he knew it all and in the midst of all took care of it all that's a God who loves you you you you you you" [00:14:06] (69 seconds)


"He's trying to like look in. He's like, man, I don't know anything. So he calls his dad. He's a grown adult. He's like in his 30s. He calls his dad and says, dad, I don't know. There's something wrong with my car. I had it towed to the house. I towed it to the shop. I don't know if you'd be willing to come check it out. His dad lives three and a half hours away from him. His dad says, I'll be there tomorrow. As soon as I get off work tomorrow, I'll drive that way. His dad, I don't know what city he lived in, but three and a half hours away, drives a city bus 10 hours a day. So he drove the city bus for 10 hours, took the bus to the bus barn. We drop us off, gets in his car, drives three and a half hours to his son's house. Comes in, they hug. Hello, dad, how's it going? Dad's got to get back though, three and a half hours home because he's got to work the next day. Goes straight into the driveway, opens the hood of the car, has got his tools. 15 seconds in, closes the hood. And his son looks at him and goes, you got the wrong tools? And the dad goes, no, I know what the problem is. You're out of gas." [00:16:24] (60 seconds)


"sitting in that room and he said I had an epiphany later that Jesus went to the cross scorning its shame because it was a awful thing to be nailed to a cross to be seen as a criminal Jesus scorned the shame of the cross for us and he said because he loved all those people in that room all of those people that I was ashamed to be around in the same room with were the same people that Jesus came for and hung out with doesn't matter what you've done Jesus loves you the enemy does not want you to believe that he wants you to isolate he wants you to run from God he wants to destroy your life and all the while God's going you know what come home my plan for you is not to have shame I'll forgive you and we're going to move forward but you get to decide what voice you listen to and you get to decide what people you put around you to help speak truth into your life sadness goodness you" [00:20:13] (70 seconds)


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Transcript
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