Regret

No one can hide from regret. It’s an emotion that has plagued us all, often weighing heavily, threatening to suffocate all joy. When it begins to smother us, we feel it will be forever. Regret in itself is not a bad thing. It serves as a reminder that we don’t want a repetition of the transgression that crashed into our once peaceful world. When regret leads to repentance, it’s a very good thing. When it leads to overwhelming hopelessness, it’s a very bad thing.

Who knows the plans He has for us, plans for good and not bad, offering us hope and a future? Our Heavenly Father. Who has a plan designed for bad and not good, offering us dejection and ruin? Our arch enemy — Satan. Satan, as we know, is the father of lies. He will lie to us, not some of the time, but all of the time. His goal is to bring a sense of hopelessness, destroyed joy, demolished peace. Satan’s tactics are deceptive. Often he uses regret as his tool of devastation.

Always remember, when you do something or think something that results in regret, thank the Holy Spirit for it, and immediately repent. Remember, too, repentance doesn’t just mean being sorry; it means to have desire not to offend again. For a child of God, it means calling out for strength and guidance of the Holy Spirit to restore your joy, renew your peace, and reinforce your resolve to walk in all of God’s ways. After all, only God’s ways guarantee walking on paths of gladness no matter the stones of complication along the way.

Never forget, Jesus loves you and values you so much, that He died so you may have eternal joy through Him. It’s easy to find that joy because Jesus is the only way. We don’t have to worry about choosing the best way for us; He is the only way. That’s why He said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to my Father except through me.” Jesus also said in John 8:32, “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” He is truth. He is life. His ways are without mistake.

He died to free you from all regret. May you walk today in the joy of that freedom.