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(shame)4 min read

When Shame Tries to Redefine You

By the Pace with Grace editorial team

Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Shame has a way of rewriting our stories, doesn't it? It takes one moment, one decision, one flaw, and it tries to define us by it.

But what if that's not the whole story? What if the narrative of shame is not the only one that gets to define us?

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin... Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.

Psalm 51:1-12

David wrote this psalm after a pretty public failure. He didn't try to hide it or justify it. He just brought it to God, and asked for a new story to be written.

The word 'create' is important here. It's not 'fix' or 'edit' or 'erase'. It's 'create'. Like making something new, from scratch.

God, I feel like shame has been writing my story for too long. I want to give you the pen. Create in me a new heart, a new spirit. Help me see myself the way you see me. Amen.

When this hits in real life.

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