Shame

"I turn to you, Lord, in time of trouble." (Psalm 32)

How easily am I lead astray with lies. My natural inclination when I am in trouble - of any sort - is to plead for God's presence, His touch in my life. How silkily the devil whispers in my ear "What kind of disciple are you that you only turn to God in times of trouble? You should be ashamed of yourself. No, best not to be a hypocrite - turn away, then when you are ready - turn to God. When you are worthy....when you are more prepared...." The excuses are endless and they are all lies. But like the best lies, they contain a kernel of truth.

Shame is one of the devil's best tools - and it is shame that keeps many away from God. I don't want to be seen as a hypocrite, so I stay away. I don't want my sin to be seen by God, so I hide myself away.

But I have to fight through the devil's temptations of shame & pride to beg God for His touch in my life. Only then can I be made clean.