My People Shall Never Be Ashamed
The promise of God in Joel 2:26 is one of the most profound assurances of His covenant faithfulness: “And ye shall eat in plenty, and be satisfied, and praise the name of the LORD your God, that hath dealt wondrously with you: and my people shall never be ashamed” (Joel 2:26). This statement is more than a promise of material provision; it is a declaration of divine security, spiritual honor, and eternal assurance for those who belong to God. To be “ashamed” in Scripture means to be confounded, put to dishonor, or found without refuge when trial or judgment comes. God pledges that those who are His will never be abandoned, dishonored, or left without a defense. Let us carefully explore the spiritual principles that uphold this promise.
1. Looking Unto God in Prayer – No Shame (Psalm 34:5; 1 Kings 18:22–40)
“They looked unto him, and were lightened: and their faces were not ashamed” (Psalm 34:5). Shame flees when the believer’s eyes are lifted heavenward. Elijah, in the contest at Mount Carmel, looked to heaven and prayed, and fire fell (1 Kings 18:36–38). The prophets of Baal were left disgraced, but Elijah was honored before all. When we lift our faces to God in trust, He vindicates His people.
To pray is to transfer confidence from self to God. Those who trust in their own strength shall be brought low (Jeremiah 17:5), but those who look to God shall shine with heavenly light and never be ashamed.
2. Waiting Upon God in Faith – No Shame (Isaiah 49:23; Luke 2:25; Isaiah 40:31)
“…for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me” (Isaiah 49:23).
Simeon, in Luke 2:25–32, patiently waited for the Consolation of Israel. He did not die until he beheld Christ, the Savior. Waiting upon God is not wasted time—it is strengthening time. “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength” (Isaiah 40:31).
Those who run ahead of God often stumble in confusion, but those who wait shall be vindicated. Waiting produces patience (James 1:3–4), and patience preserves the soul from shame.
3. Walking in God’s Commandments – No Shame (Psalm 119:6, 98–100)
“Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments” (Psalm 119:6). True honor is tied to obedience. To respect God’s commandments is to order one’s steps by His Word (Psalm 119:133). The obedient believer gains wisdom greater than enemies, teachers, and elders (Psalm 119:98–100).
Shame comes to those who despise God’s Word (Jeremiah 6:10–15), but those who tremble at His Word (Isaiah 66:2) find lasting honor.
4. A Heart Sound in God’s Statutes – No Shame (Psalm 119:80; Isaiah 38:1–5; Song of Solomon 4:7)
“Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed” (Psalm 119:80).
Soundness of heart: purity, sincerity, and wholeness before God, guards against shame. King Hezekiah, though stricken with disease, prayed with a perfect heart, and God extended his life (Isaiah 38:1–5).
The Bride of Christ is called “all fair, my love; there is no spot in thee” (Song of Solomon 4:7). When the church walks in holiness, she has nothing to fear at the appearing of Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:23).
5. Believing in Christ – No Shame (Romans 9:33; Romans 10:11)
“…whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed.” (Romans 9:33; cf. Isaiah 28:16). Faith in Christ is the foundation of boldness. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:3). Believers who trust in Christ’s death and resurrection stand secure, for “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Unbelief leads to confusion, but faith in Christ ensures that the believer is never confounded in time or eternity.
6. Suffering for the Gospel – No Shame (2 Timothy 1:12; 2 Timothy 2:12; Romans 1:16)
Paul boldly declared: “For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed…” (2 Timothy 1:12). Shame often comes when affliction is interpreted as defeat. But in Christ, suffering becomes honor. Paul endured imprisonments and persecutions, yet declared: “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ” (Romans 1:16). The believer’s confidence lies in knowing that God keeps what is committed to Him until the day of Christ.
7. Abiding in Christ – No Shame (1 John 2:28; John 15:1–5)
“…abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).
Abiding is the secret of fruitfulness. A branch separated from the vine withers, but the abiding believer bears much fruit (John 15:5). To remain in Christ is to remain safe, fruitful, and confident, awaiting His return without shame.
Those who live carelessly may be ashamed at His appearing (Matthew 25:1–12), but those who remain steadfast in Him will rejoice.
8. God’s Restoration – No Shame (Joel 2:25–26; Psalm 125:1–2)
Joel ties the promise of “no shame” with divine restoration: “And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten…” (Joel 2:25).
The shame of barrenness, loss, or judgment is replaced with the joy of abundance. Just as God reversed Israel’s devastation by the locusts (Exodus 10:5), He restores wasted years in the lives of His people.
Thus, His people “shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever” (Psalm 125:1).
Conclusion: The Eternal Security of God’s People
God’s declaration in Joel 2:26 is not empty poetry but eternal truth. His people, who:
• Look to Him in prayer,
• Wait upon Him in faith,
• Walk in His commandments,
• Keep a sound heart,
• Believe in Christ,
• Suffer for the Gospel without fear,
• Abide in Christ,
• And trust in His restoring power—
shall never be ashamed.
Shame belongs to the ungodly who reject Him (Daniel 12:2), but the righteous shall shine with everlasting honor. Therefore let us hold fast to this promise with boldness: “They that trust in the LORD shall be as mount Zion, which cannot be removed, but abideth forever. As the mountains are round about Jerusalem, so the LORD is round about his people from henceforth even forever” (Psalm 125:1–2). Amen! Hallelujah!! !!!
His people shall never be ashamed. Hallelujah! Amen.
