Remember your mercy, O Lord, and your steadfast love,

for they have been from of old.

Remember not the sins of my youth or my transgressions;

according to your steadfast love remember me,

for the sake of your goodness, O Lord!

Psalm 25:6-7

As David looks back on his youth, his response is, "remember not the sins of my youth." As I reflect on my younger years, I can think of many moments that bring a sense of shame, and I want to ask the same of God (please don't remember that part, Lord).

Moments of shame can easily become moments we hide in the dark crevices of our heart and breed infection. Thankfully, we have an open invitation to partner with God and allow His work to create beauty in our wounded souls. David clues us in on how this redemptive and healing work takes place: by knowing and being known by God.

"According to your steadfast love, remember me..."

Have you ever asked God how He thinks of you? David knew how the Lord "remembered" [or thought] of him, and it's an essential key for us to know, too.

When I had a few moments to sit and be quiet this past week, I asked God to show me what He thinks of me. I'd asked Him this question before but didn't seem to hear anything. That's okay if that happens, and it's okay to keep asking.

I asked Him (again) to reveal to me the song He sings over me (in accordance to Zephaniah 3:17). This time, He showed me that the song He sings over me is the sunrise I like to watch as I drink coffee. For me, the love song is the warm rays of the sun on my skin. It is the pitter-patter of little feet and the hugs given by my boys. He reminded me that the love song He sings over me is in the wind that blows through the trees and the birds that sing on a spring day as I take a long walk. The Lord told me of the 1,000 gifts of grace He gives me each day, and orchestrated together, it forms a beautiful love song for me. And in that moment, I sat and thanked Him for that song — written just for me.

"Paying attention to the Holy Spirit is first paying attention to your body, and how your body is responding to shame." Dr. Curt Thompson

I encourage you to grab a piece of paper and a pen and simply sit. Then, at the top of your paper, write: "Lord, what song do you sing over me?" Let the words flow from your pen. Don't overthink it or judge your words. Keep writing.

Once done, read what you wrote and discern if it aligns with God's Word. Then, share it with a trusted and godly friend and ask them if they see any misalignment with the Truth. This practice will help you hear God's voice and tune your spiritual ears to His Words.