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The Joy of Salvation: Shame & Guilt

For a long time in my life I have not felt joy. Desperate to feel joyful, I asked my counsellor, “How can I have more joy in my life?” For the next twelve months, we went through a series of exercises that would help me to be joyful. And after a year do I feel joyful? Well, the therapeutic exercises were eye-opening and helpful. I am certainly less stressed and less depressed. But joyful, I am not quite there yet. This is not because my therapist failed me or counselling did not work. Truth is, joy cannot be found through human undertakings.

One day last week, I heard God whisper to my heart that I am not joyful for three reasons: shame, guilt, and fear. God reminded me that because I have held on tightly to the shame and guilt of my past wrongs I am unable to enjoy His manifold blessings in my life. I feel undeserving of every good thing in my life because at some point in my life I decided that “if only people knew me, the real me, and the things I have done, they would not think so highly of me.” I have no joy because I live in bondage to shame, guilt, and fear.

Fortunately, God did not just drop this bombshell on me and leave me to wrestle with it alone. As God always does, He has also filled me with His encouragement on how to overcome guilt and shame so I can live a life full of joy. For the past few days, every scripture I have read has been a weapon to counteract the voices that scream “guilty,” “undeserving,” and “unworthy.” I will share one with you. Let this scripture wash over you:

Let all that I am praise the LORD; may I never forget the good things he does for me. He forgives all my sins and heals all my diseases… The LORD is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The LORD is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. For he knows how weak we are; he remembers we are only dust. Our days on earth are like grass; like wildflowers, we bloom and die. The wind blows, and we are gone—as though we had never been here. But the love of the LORD remains forever with those who fear him. His salvation extends to the children’s children of those who are faithful to his covenant, of those who obey his commandments!

Psalm 103: 3, 8-18 NLT

God’s voice of truth reminds me that I am forgiven by a loving father who understands that I am only human. God does not accuse me, and neither is He angry or disappointed. My sins and missteps and associated guilt are removed as far as the east is from the west. In place of guilt and shame, God offers His love and salvation.

When we accept His free gift of salvation, God deposits His Spirit in us (2 Corinthians 1:22). The Holy Spirit fills us with His fruit which is joy, love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control (Galatians 5:22 – 23). This gift of joy is also known as the joy of salvation: the Holy Spirit is the conduit and joy is the fruit. Let me contextualize this with another scripture. When David was convicted of his sin after he had slept with Bathsheba, Uriah’s wife, and killed him to cover up the ensuring pregnancy, he prayed (Psalm 51: 10-12 NLT):

Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.
Do not banish me from your presence, and don’t take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you.

The joy I speak of is not just the feeling of intense happiness; neither does it propose a state free of suffering and sorrow. It is that quiet confidence that I have knowing that regardless of whatever is going on around me I have found something of value: God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever (Psalm 73:26). This is the joy of salvation. Jesus described this joy with many parables, one of my favourites being the parable of the treasure: “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field…” Matthew 13: 44 NIV

Recognizing that in our salvation we have gained everything and then some (eternal life in glory) ought to fill us with great joy. But shame and guilt rob us of the privilege of experiencing this. Instead of appreciating the gift of salvation and all it brings, we shy away, and like our first parents Adam and Eve, we hide from God. Even though I know cerebrally that God loves me something fierce and unconditionally, shame tells me I am unworthy of this love that He so freely gives. What a sad way to live! However, this is not our reality at all. Our reality is more like this:

Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right side to accuse him. The Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord, who has chosen Jerusalem, rebuke you! Is not this man a burning stick snatched from the fire?” Now Joshua was dressed in filthy clothes as he stood before the angel. The angel said to those who were standing before him, “Take off his filthy clothes.” Then he said to Joshua, “See, I have taken away your sin, and I will put fine garments on you.”

Zechariah 3:1- 4 NIV

Jesus takes away our filthy rags and exchanges them for His righteousness. Shame and guilt do not stand a chance when we stand in God’s love. With his nail-pierced hands, He points to the accuser and rebukes him for your sake. “Forgiven” ,“Redeemed” and “Loved” that is who you are. Now scroll back up and read Psalm 103: 3, 8-18. This ought to fill you with joy, the joy of salvation.

So what am I going to do with truth? I am going to spend sometime chatting with God about every thing from my past that brings me shame and guilt. I am going to speak God’s forgiveness over all of those situations and give myself permission to be forgiven. I am going to visualize God removing those sins as far away from me as the east is from the west and hold on to that visualization. This is so I can recall this image the next time shame or guilt comes calling. I am going to meditate on Psalm 103 until it sinks in. Finally, I am going to revel in the fact that God is my portion forever come what may! What a blessed assurance!

I may have to do every time guilt and shame rear their ugly heads. But soon it will get easier, and the process will be less onerous and less frequent as I lean in to the Holy Spirit and allow my heart to be overwhelmed by the joy of my salvation. I pray this for you too.

Yours truly.

p.s. I will deal with the topic of fear in another post. Stay tuned.

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Beyond the prodigal

Unveiling the Hidden Struggles of the Faithful Son in Luke 15– By John Owusu

In the very familiar Parable from Luke 15:11-32 – the Parable of the Prodigal Son- our focus is on the journey of the younger son, whose story of rebellion, repentance, and reconciliation vividly portrays God’s boundless grace. Yet, within this parable lies another, equally profound narrative – that of the elder son, a character who mirrors a different aspect of human nature and spiritual struggle. Let’s turn our attention to this often-overlooked figure and get a better insight into his struggles.

The elder son, steadfast and diligent, remains at home, toiling on his father’s land. His response to his brother’s return, however, unveils a struggle not with prodigality, but with resentment and entitlement. It’s a tale not just of a wayward brother, but of two sons, each lost in their own way, and a father whose love encompasses both. As we explore the elder son’s story, we are invited to reflect on our own spiritual journey. Through his eyes, we may uncover insights about grace, compassion, and the joy found in God’s unfailing presence. Let us open our hearts to these lessons, finding in them a deeper understanding of God’s love and our own path to spiritual growth.  Let’s delve right in.

I. The Elder Son’s Hidden Struggle  

In the shadow of the prodigal son’s dramatic story, the elder son’s internal conflict offers a different, yet equally important, spiritual lesson. Unlike his younger brother, the elder son is not guilty of wild living or squandering his inheritance. Instead, he remains at home, the picture of obedience and diligence. Yet, his reaction to his brother’s return reveals a heart troubled by deeper issues. 

Luke 15:28-30 captures the moment of his turmoil. When the younger son returns, the father throws a lavish celebration. The elder son, upon hearing this, becomes angry and refuses to join the feast. His words to his father are telling: “All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.” His sense of injustice is palpable. He feels overlooked, unappreciated, despite his faithful service. 

This is where the elder son’s true struggle lies – in his sense of entitlement and lack of compassion. He cannot fathom why his father would extend such grace to a brother who seemed to have forsaken everything their family stood for. His dedication to duty has blinded him to the essence of his father’s love. In his mind, love and reward are earned, not freely given. 

The elder son’s problem is one many of us can relate to. It’s easy to fall into the trap of equating our worth or spiritual standing with our deeds. We, like the elder son, might struggle to accept that God’s love is not a reward for good behavior, but a gift freely given. His story is a cautionary tale, reminding us that even the most dutiful can miss the heart of God’s grace. 

In our spiritual walk, it’s crucial to recognize this pitfall. The elder son’s attitude reflects a misunderstanding of grace – a fundamental aspect of Christian faith. It shows us that even in our faithfulness, there’s a danger of developing a spirit of entitlement, overshadowing the true nature of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness. 

II. Spiritual Lessons from the Elder Son 

The elder son in the parable teaches us crucial spiritual lessons about entitlement, joy, gratitude, and the nature of God’s inclusive love. 

Entitlement vs. Grace: The elder son’s sense of entitlement is a stark contrast to the father’s grace. Ephesians 2:8-9 reminds us, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God.” Unlike earthly rewards that are earned, grace is a divine gift, unmerited and freely given. The elder son’s struggle to understand this mirrors our own challenges in comprehending the breadth of God’s grace, which extends beyond human notions of fairness and merit. 

Joy and Gratitude: In focusing on his sense of injustice, the elder son fails to appreciate the blessings around him. James 1:17 tells us, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights.” His inability to find joy in his continuous access to his father’s wealth and presence is a reminder for us to recognize and cherish the blessings we receive daily. Psalm 16:11 declares, “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy.” The elder son’s lack of joy reflects a heart disconnected from the true source of fulfillment – the father’s love. 

Inclusiveness and Forgiveness: The father’s inclusive love is a model for Christian living. Galatians 3:28 proclaims, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” This inclusiveness extends to the elder son, despite his resentment. Similarly, the importance of forgiveness is underscored in Matthew 6:14-15, where Jesus teaches, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” The elder son’s struggle to forgive mirrors our own challenges in extending grace to others, a crucial aspect of Christian discipleship. 

III. The Father’s Unconditional Love and Grace 

The father in the parable epitomizes God’s unconditional love and grace. His reaction to each son’s actions reveals profound spiritual truths about God’s nature. 

Unconditional Love: The father’s love for both sons is unwavering and not based on their deeds. 1 John 4:19 says, “We love because He first loved us.” The father’s love, much like God’s, is proactive, reaching out to both the repentant and the resentful son. 

Forgiveness and Reconciliation: The father’s eagerness to forgive the younger son, symbolized by his running to meet him and the celebration that follows, highlights God’s joy in our repentance. Luke 15:22-24 illustrates this beautifully, as the father restores the younger son without hesitation. This unconditional acceptance is a powerful portrayal of divine forgiveness, which is not earned but graciously given. 

Generosity and Celebration: The father’s response – throwing a lavish party for the younger son – is a testament to the joy and generosity inherent in God’s grace. It’s a celebration of reconciliation, not past actions, mirroring the heavenly joy over one sinner who repents. 

Inclusiveness: The father’s grace is inclusive. He goes out to invite the elder son to the feast, demonstrating that his love and grace extend to both sons, regardless of their attitudes or behaviors. This reflects 2 Peter 3:9, where it’s stated, “The Lord is…patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.” 

IV. Steps Towards True Repentance for the Elder Son 

For the elder son to embrace true repentance, he had to undergo a transformation of his heart and mind in seven key areas and his journey is as relevant for us today as it was for him.

Recognize His Own Faults: The first step was acknowledging his bitterness and self-righteousness, i. e. understanding these feelings as barriers to a relationship with his father and brother. 

Empathize with His Brother: Developing empathy for his brother’s experiences helped him overcome resentment, which allowed him to see value in forgiveness and reconciliation. 

Accept His Father’s Love and Grace: Realizing that his father’s love was unconditional and not based on merit was crucial for his transformation. 

Celebrate His Brother’s Return: Joining in the celebration symbolized his acceptance and joy in his brother’s restoration to the family. 

Rebuild Relationships: Strengthening his relationships with his father and brother emphasized the value of family and connection over duty. 

Express Feelings to His Father: Honest communication about his feelings of being overlooked helped to clear misunderstandings. 

Reflect on His Blessings: Appreciating the constant presence of his father and the blessings he already had was key to his spiritual growth. 

Grasping the depth of our Father’s love for us is essential. At the heart of God’s intentions is the hope for everyone’s salvation and for all to gain an understanding of His Son, His precious gift to humanity, intended to draw all people to Him. Luke 15:11 tells of a father and his two sons. Each son’s choices significantly influenced their relationship with their father, yet the father’s love remained constant and unwavering in the face of their actions. While the missteps of the prodigal son are apparent, it’s just as crucial to consider how easily we might overlook our Father’s grace, mercy, and love. This is especially true when, like the elder son, we mistakenly believe our rewards are earned by merit, not granted through His grace. My prayer is that you will reflect on this and let God speak to your heart. 

Yours Truly

P.S. Thank you John Owusu for this very insightful post. John has been a long time reader of this blog and the owner of Revo Driving School in Alexandria, VA. He loves music and is part of the worship team at Word Performance Church.

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I choose Joy

This is the day the LORD has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24 NLT

For many years I have thought joy as a fruit of the Holy Spirit that cannot be present in our lives apart from the Holy Spirit. And for many years I have ascribed my lack of finding joy and pleasure in things to the fact that perhaps it is how it is supposed to be. I have opened myself up to the Holy Spirit and asked Him to fill my life with His joy and so if I am not joyful then it is not my fault.

This evening I was reading a book titled the ‘Habits of a Godly Woman’ and came across one of the topics, ‘the habit of joy’. As the author suggests joy is a habit that can be cultivated. You can be joyful on purpose and you can incorporate a habit of joy in your life! I read through the chapter with a lot of skepticism until I came to the verse I have quoted in my opening. This is a verse I repeat very often whenever I am in the gathering of believers. In fact, once or twice per month I serve in church as the service director and I always start my production meetings with the catch phrase “this is the day the LORD has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.”

Up until this moment this verse has been a cliché for me. Something I always say to bring people’s attention to the fact that we are about to start the meeting. Today, what caught my attention was the phrase “we will rejoice.” This phrase suggests that joy (and rejoicing) is a choice. God has made the day- He has once again given us breath in our lungs and has blessed us with a day that He calls Today. He has made provisions for the day by giving us everything we need for life and godliness (2 Peter 1:3) so that we can seize all the opportunities in the day but it is up to us to a large extent how we show up and posture through out the day. God has already filled our hearts with joy as a result of our salvation (1 Peter 1:8-9) but it is up to us to allow this joy to be expressed in full measure in our lives.

Joy is a habit that can be developed. Wherever you are, whatever you are doing, you can decide to focus on everything that is good about your situation and choose to rejoice. As you do that often, you will develop the habit of joy. There are so many expressions of joy. The more obvious one is through laughter, but that is not the only way to express joy. The author suggests joy produces a range of emotions from extreme hilarity to calm delight. However we choose to express joy (depending on the situation and circumstance) the end goal is that it gives us strength and strengthens those around us.

The joy of the LORD is our strength

Nehemiah 8:10

I am an introvert by nature and would not be described by those who know me as the life of the party but on many occasions I put myself out there and have charmed many an audience with my quick wit and sense of humor. I am hilarious when I want to be and so there is nothing that prevents me from choosing to be joyful always. Choosing to be joyful does not mean I need to change who I am and become an extrovert. For my introvert friends, the joy of the LORD can be a quiet confidence (Isaiah 30: 15). The bottom line is that the joy of the LORD has nothing to do with who we are and everything to do with who He is. It comes from knowing whom we have believed in and reveling in all that He has done and is continuing to do in our lives.

In 2023, let us choose to be joyful on purpose. Let’s be intentional about choosing joy and enjoying the benefits of everyday called Today. This is the year the LORD has made we will rejoice and be glad in the remaining 358 days left.

Yours Truly

P.S. Wow! 2022 was quite the year! I rejoice for the grace of a new year 2023!

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On the fifth day of Christmas…

On the fifth day of Christmas, JESUS gave to me Joy for my soul, Love for all men, Peace in my heart, Everlasting Life, and Salvation full and free.

J.O.Y. hmmm… What is joy and how does one get joy?  I find joy although not intangible, is one of the most difficult phenomena to describe. I believe this is partly because joy, very much like peace happens in spite of present circumstances. Although it comes from deep within a person and spills right on the outside, it is beyond a person. When I think of joy, I think of something that wells up and overflows from the inside like a bubbling spring. More importantly to me, than trying to describe joy is how I can get joy in my life.

I have told you these things so that My joy may be in you and your joy may be complete. John 15:11 BSB

Whoa! What did Jesus say that gives us joy? let’s backtrack…

As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you. Remain in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will remain in My love, just as I have kept My Father’s commandments and remain in His love.  John 15:9-10 BSB

If you love me, you will obey my commandments. John 14:15 NET

well… I guess the secret to joy is out of the bag! It all comes down to love and obedience!  If we love God we will obey Him; When we obey God we will be in God’s love and one of the perks of being in God’s love is that we will have joy. Seems easy yes? Well…. the obedience part is not so easy otherwise the word obey would not appear 69 times in the King James Bible(this does not include other variants of the word)! But there is good news:

For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome, because everyone born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world: our faith. Who then overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:3-5 BSB

You can do this! You’ve got this! Love God… and obey Him and reap a bountiful harvest of joy!

Yours truly.