Living with Regret?
On regret in light of Resurrection Sunday | Random Thoughts | Jesus Christ | Christianity
Embrace the Resurrection Instead
Hey, dear readers, happy Second Sunday of Easter! We’re on the journey toward The Day of Pentecost, the birth of the church, the bride of Jesus Christ.
On Pentecost, the Father sent His Holy Spirit to Jesus believers. The Holy Spirit is our helper, our counselor, our advocate, and more [ read my 2023 series ].
I rely on the Holy Spirit on a daily basis.
Regret and Resurrection
Regret
I paced the living room while I chatted with Jesus about some regrets that weighed my heart down. My stomach knotted up with anxiety.
The regrets weren’t over “grave sins” nor anything to chat about with my pastor. They were over a few life decisions made some years ago, and as I paced I grappled with emotions I felt about those decisions.
Mostly, I felt:
“Why did I do that? What was I thinking back then?”
I know.
What’s past is past. We move forward. To do otherwise is an exercise in futility, and one that the enemy takes advantage of by influencing our emotions around past decisions.
I chatted with Jesus regarding the wisdom of a decision I would make in a few days. Regrets over past decisions clouded my thoughts and I poured out my heart to Him. I didn’t want to repeat what I felt was past foolishness. I wanted to be wise, to act in His wisdom.
As my slippers whispered “pitter-patter” on the floor, the Holy Spirit brought these thoughts to my mind:
“Great is your reward in heaven.”
“Lay up heavenly treasures (people) not earthly treasures (money).”
Not all financial decisions are about wealth in monetary terms. Some financial decisions plant seeds for the Lord of the Harvest, for the potential salvation of His cherished image bearers. I believe this with all of my heart.
The Lord continued to answer my prayers only minutes later when the “Verse of the Day” from the Bible app popped up in my iPad’s Notifications…Philippians 1:6.
Philippians 1:6 (BSB)
6 being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
“He who began a good work in you….”
Let’s pause a moment.
We’re talking about the Creator, the Lord of the entire universe. The Son of God’s Father, Yahweh, the Adonai of the Israelites who He called His own nation.
Almighty God’s work in me, in you, can give us immeasurable confidence every day if we accept and receive the truth that He is faithful to finish His good work in us. Then, relax and rest in Him.
Resurrection
After I received the Bible app Notification and read Philippians 1:6, I went to one of my favorite Bible study tools, and … tears filled my eyes as I read the cross references.
Cross References
Romans 8:28 And we know that God works all things together for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose.
1 Thessalonians 5:24 The One who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.
1 Corinthians 1:8-9 He will sustain you to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God, who has called you into fellowship with His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.
When Father God raised Jesus from the dead, He completed the extremely good work begun when Emmanuel was born in Bethlehem (and prophesied so long ago). Resurrection Sunday’s joy still resonates inside me, and Holy Spirit reminded me not to focus on past regret.
There’s no reason to for God makes all things new.
2 Corinthians 5:17 (BSB)
17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come!
When I look back and think I didn’t act wisely, I lean into my Abba and ask for His wisdom for today, for He always finishes what He starts, including His good work in me.
New life awaits us every day, dear readers. Cast off all regret and put on Christ.
Every day is Resurrection Sunday.
When I Survey the Wondrous Cross - Live from Sing!
KeithandKristyn Getty [3 mins 16 secs]
Your Turn
Have you ever had similar moments in your days, when you revisited past decisions with a tinge of regret?
If yes, how did you handle those moments? How did you respond to them?
What have you learned from the Lord?
Feel free to share your wisdom in the Comments.
Maranatha, (again) come Lord Jesus.
Soli Deo Gloria!
If you’re a not-yet follower of Jesus Christ, please come along on this journey with us. You are welcome here.
And, I invite you to read my series on the book “What Does God Want?”.
Conversation & Community
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Very good word
I think we all have those moments of regret in our lives, I know I do. My life before I was saved was reckless and impulsive a lot of the time. I thank God that I was saved and that I have a chance to repent and seek forgiveness.