Ascend Global

A second key in breaking free is to identify our own type of covering, by checking out a range of common 'false identities'. Only when the mask is removed, can we become honest with ourselves, and how we were affected. What was my experience of shame? How did I feel? What message did it give about myself? How did I cover myself? As long as I stay covered, I am open to demonic spirits; but the truth sets us free, through Christ we can break all agreements, attachments, intimacy to shame.

Saul and his sons died in the battlefield. They chopped off their heads, and hung them up on a wall.

The men of Jabesh Gilead went in the middle of the night, took the bodies down, took them back and gave them a proper burial.

David said: Because you did this thing, may the Lord show His blessing upon you. I will repay you for it too.

His heart was to bless people and show kindness to those who acted honorably.

Shame has 3 main sources: Our own sin; Satan 'the accuser'; and the shaming actions of others. Shame is internalised, creating an ungodly belief. Looking at examples of life situations will help us recognise the shame message we have agreed with. These are powerful keys for breaking free. The first is coming to Christ, who bore our shame, and understand our suffering.

Amalekites invaded Ziklag, and burned it with fire, and had taken captive the women, and all those who were there, from small to great. They did not kill anyone, but carried them away, and went their way.

David's two wives had been taken captive, and he was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and daughters.

David strengthened himself in the Lord his God. God is looking for people just like that!

The message of shame is: I am damaged, I am different, and I am in danger. In Genesis we see man's response to this message, still acted out today: cover (wear a mask); hide (maintain distance); blame (transfer shame to others). Examining a detailed list of the fruits of shame will help us recognise the root. Owning the truth is the first step to freedom. What is worse - falling over, or refusing to believe God wants to get you up again? Whoever believes on Him, shall not be ashamed.

David went from being the hero of the nation, to experiencing a demotion, and now they outright want to kill him!

He's rejected, misunderstood, and he faces tremendous injustices - not once, but many times.

The Lord is the Justifier! He can sort it out! You don't have to be understood by everyone - just let it go!

David ran into the presence of God (to Samuel), when he suffered injustice, rejection and misunderstanding - to hear fresh from God for his life.

God created man in his image and likeness: strong, loving, relational connections; confident in his goodness and identity; and very creative. He was clothed with God's glory. When man sinned, we lost the glory - shame and fear came in, as a thief stealing our identity and intimacy, by changing how we think. We are still a child of God, but damaged and needing repair. It is time to break the power of shame, address the root problem, and life life again, according to God's original design.