The Transforming Power of Truth: Finding Refuge from Shame

In the digital age in which we live, public shaming has emerged as a prevalent issue, often leading to devastating consequences.

In March 2013, Adria Richards overheard two men at a technology conference sharing a sexist joke. She took a photo of the men and tweeted it with her thoughts about their misogyny. Spotting the tweet, an event organiser approached the two men, who admitted that the joke had been in poor taste and apologised.

It did not end there. Ms Richards chose to publicly shame the men by blogging about it, which led to one of the men being dismissed by his employer. A firestorm erupted. Some came to Ms Richards’ defence, while others were critical of her. A group of hackers, outraged over her perceived oversensitivity, launched a digital attack on the email servers at her work. The IT department spent hours trying to restore service to its customers. In the end, Ms Richards’ employment was terminated, which only raised the debate to new levels. One journalist summarised it well: “One tweet. Thousands of comments. Four days later, two people have been fired. Welcome to the digital age.”

This incident illustrates how shame can spiral out of control in our interconnected world.

Historically, public shaming was used as a form of punishment, as seen in the Bible. For instance, Jeremiah was publicly beaten and put in stocks for his prophetic messages (Jeremiah 20:1–2). Similarly, Roman crucifixion was designed to bring public shame to the crucified. Today, the Internet has become the public square in which anyone can publicly shame anyone, even anonymously. Shame is making a resurgence.

Psalm 31 is a heartfelt prayer, expressing David’s deep sense of shame and his plea for God’s deliverance. His words resonate with those who have experienced shame, offering a path toward healing and restoration. “In you, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame; in your righteousness deliver me!” (v. 1).

David confesses his trust in God and seeks refuge from his shame. He appeals to God’s righteousness, asking for deliverance and protection.

Shame is a complex emotion that affects individuals deeply. In Western cultures, shame is often viewed as a personal feeling, arising from specific circumstances or actions. In Eastern cultures, both in biblical times and today, shame carries a far deeper communal and relational weight, impacting one’s standing in society.

David’s experience reflects this cultural understanding of shame. He feels isolated and rejected, not just personally but within his community. “Because of all my adversaries I have become a reproach, especially to my neighbours, and an object of dread to my acquaintances; those who see me in the street flee from me” (v. 11).

This highlights the social aspect of shame, where David becomes an outcast, avoided by those around him.

Despite his overwhelming shame, David turns to God, seeking deliverance and expressing his unwavering trust. “But I trust in you, O LORD; I say, ‘You are my God.’ My times are in your hand; rescue me from the hand of my enemies and from my persecutors!” (vv. 14–15).

David’s declaration of trust signifies a pivotal shift from despair to hope. He acknowledges God’s sovereignty over life and circumstances, believing that God holds his future. God’s truth and righteousness are antidotes to shame. By entrusting ourselves to God, we can find refuge and restoration.

The ultimate expression of God’s response to shame is Calvary. Jesus experienced the deepest form of public shame through his crucifixion, yet he endured it for our sake.

As he died, he quoted Psalm 31:5, identifying with David’s plea and demonstrating complete trust in the Father, even in death: “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!” (Luke 23:46). His sacrifice provides a path for us to overcome shame and find acceptance with God.

The Psalm encourages believers to follow David’s example by bringing their shame to God and trusting in his deliverance. It calls for a community that reflects God’s grace, avoiding the perpetuation of shame and instead offering love and restoration. “Love the LORD, all you his saints! The LORD preserves the faithful but abundantly repays the one who acts in pride. Be strong, and let your heart take courage, all you who wait for the LORD!” (vv. 23–24).

These concluding verses serve as an exhortation to remain steadfast in faith, trusting that God will vindicate and restore those who rely on him.

Shame is a powerful emotion that can isolate and destroy, but in the hands of a truthful and loving God, it can be transformed into a testimony of grace and redemption. By turning to God, as David did, and trusting in his righteousness, we can find refuge and hope beyond our shame.