Spiritual guidance powered by AI and grounded in Scripture
Your Question:
How do I deal with the shame of not being able to provide?
Answer:
The weight of shame can be crushing, can't it? As a pastor, I've seen many people struggle with feelings of inadequacy and failure. It's as if the expectations of others, and even our own expectations of ourselves, have become a heavy burden to bear. But I want to remind you that shame often points to our own idols and people-gods. We may be placing our trust in others, expecting them to deliver what we need, rather than in the Lord. When we're struggling with shame, it's easy to become defensive and try to shift the blame to others. But God's Spirit is always speaking to us, convicting us of our own sin and encouraging us to surrender to Him. It's not about being perfect, or even about being good enough. It's about recognizing that our worth and value come from Christ alone, and that He is enough. As the Scripture says, "Look to Me, and be saved" (Isaiah 45:22). When we look to God, we're reminded that our value and worth are not tied to our ability to provide, but to His love and acceptance of us. As I reflect on my own life, I realize that there have been times when I've struggled with feelings of inadequacy and shame. But God's forgiveness and love have always been there to cover me. And I've come to understand that my worth and value come from Him, not from my ability to provide for my family. My wife, Susan, and I have been married for 19 years, and we've learned to rely on God's provision and love, rather than our own efforts. So, if you're struggling with shame, I encourage you to look to God, and to remember that His love and acceptance are always available to you.
Sources:
depression
edward welch
my utmost for his highest
oswald chambers
introduction biblical ethics
robertson mcquilkin
practicing the way
john mark comer
psalms
tremper longman
power of a praying wife
stormie omartian
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