Joyce Meyer Daily Devotional 22 April 2026 (Wednesday) Message
TOPIC: You Can Be Free from Shame
I live in disgrace all day long, and my face is covered with shame.
— Psalm 44:15 (NIV)
Have you ever felt like the writer of today’s scripture—as though you go through life wearing a cloak of shame? I felt this way for years, and I know it’s a terrible way to feel. I also know there is hope!
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Many people are “rooted” in shame. This means their shame is so deep that it functions as the root of a tree and actually produces “fruit” in the form of unhealthy thoughts and behaviors that negatively affect their lives and relationships. Shame is different from guilt, and it affects people more deeply than guilt. Normal guilt causes us to feel embarrassed, regretful or bad about something we have done, while shame makes us feel bad about who we are.
When you and I make mistakes or commit sin, we feel bad until we repent and are forgiven. Then we’re able to put it behind us and go on without any lasting harm. But when people are rooted in shame, it affects everything about their lives. They have such deep negative attitudes and feelings toward themselves that their negativity poisons everything they try to accomplish. They struggle more than people who don’t deal with shame and seem doomed to failure because they have no confidence.
According to Hebrews 12:2, Jesus bore our shame for us on the cross. This includes both the shame anyone would feel in certain situations and the deeply rooted shame that affects some people. You don’t have to live ashamed of who you are. Jesus has set you free.
PRAYER OF THE DAY: Thank You, Jesus, for Your work on the cross and for making a way for me to live free from shame. Heal my heart, I pray.
Joyce Meyer is one of the world’s leading practical Bible teachers. She is a New York Times bestselling author, and her books have helped millions of people find hope and restoration through Jesus Christ. Through Joyce Meyer Ministries, she teaches on a number of topics with a particular focus on how the Word of God applies to our everyday lives. Her candid communication style allows her to share openly and practically about her experiences, and helps others understand how to apply biblical principles to their own lives. Christ, amen
