Move From Shame to Sanctuary

O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced. Psalm 71:1

Have you ever felt that sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach as you receive a terrifying medical diagnosis?

Philip Yancey, a successful author, was so active that his doctors initially failed to diagnose his Parkinson’s disease. It was horrifying for Philip to daily discover all the things his fit and capable body suddenly couldn’t do anymore. When he tried to turn while skiing, he crashed into a tree. While attempting to catch a ball, he ended up in the emergency room after landing on his face. It was shocking and humiliating. Suddenly, Philip felt far less in control.

Philip described the vulnerability of these changes, sharing, “A measure of shame seems to accompany disability. There is an innate shame in inconveniencing others for something that is neither your fault nor your desire. And a shame in having well-meaning friends overreact; some may treat you like a fragile antique, or complete your sentences when you pause a second to think of a word.”[1]

How do you handle feeling powerless and vulnerable? The writer of the Psalms of the Bible said this in Psalm 71, “O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don’t let me be disgraced.” He goes on to say, “And now, in my old age, don’t set me aside. Don’t abandon me when my strength is failing” (Psalm 71:1,9). The challenge for each of us is learning to bring our unique weaknesses and limitations to God, believing that He will meet us in these places of need.

Is there an area of powerlessness or vulnerability in your life that’s causing you pain? You can ask God for the help you need most, right now.

[1] Yancey, Philip. “Dislabeled.” Philip Yancey, 20 Feb. 2023, philipyancey.com/dislabeled. Accessed 14 Apr. 2024.