This post is all about how to move past regret in the Lord.
Anyone living this human life will most likely encounter the painful emotion of regret. Whether it is something that was within our control or not, we may fall into major grief and remorse around what our life could have been. As a Christian, this still rings true, and especially if this mistake causes us to lose our way in God.
If we are not careful, regret will allow us to spiral into a chaotic and endless pit of despair, forever ruminating over what happened versus what should’ve. Don’t allow your weary heart to get swept away in this horrible cycle. God has taken the most tragic and heartbreaking stories and turned it around, and he can do the same for you.
So if you are experiencing regret, be of good cheer. Here are three ways to help.
How to move past regret in God
1. Give it to God
“If I say, “My foot slips,” Your mercy, O Lord, will hold me up.” Psalms 94:18 NKJV
“if my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 KJV
When you find yourself in the pain and sorrow of regret, fall at the feet of Jesus. Although it seems like the last thing that you would want to do, given the fact that there is so much shame and guilt bottled up within you, just know that Jesus doesn’t see any of that. He doesn’t see you as a failure. You may have lost your way but Jesus understands, and he is always there with open arms to receive you and comfort you. Whether the regret in your life is a sin, a mistake that cost you a relationship, job, money, or any other significant loss, Jesus can and is willing to restore you.
In prayer, tell him everything. Tell him your pain, your grief, and the things you wished you would’ve done differently. By giving this to him, you not only will gain relief and peace knowing it is in the hands of a understanding and life-changing God, but you will take the weight and pressure off of your shoulders as well. Yes, it is your mistake, and most times it comes with consequences so we can learn and grow and do better. God will not excuse us from being reprimanded. But he will allow it to turn around to help you, instead of destroy you. Leaving it in your hands may result in another failure or further pain. Giving it to God will bring life and restoration.
2. Reframe your words
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue: And they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof.” Proverbs 18:21 KJV
“Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 NKJV
Surrounding yourself with people who uplift you and pronounce good things over you is so important. You don’t need anyone around you who speak negatively about what you have done and cause you to be ashamed and neglected for your mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, and your story is no different from anyone else’s. Perfect people don’t go to heaven, forgiven people do. You need to surround yourself with people who remind you of this and tell you that you are not done for. Words have power to build us up or tear us down. This also means that we have to be careful how we speak to ourselves! If we keep telling ourselves that we are no good, we will start believing it and acting like it.
We must encourage ourselves in God and read his Word to our hearts. Recall situations of God’s loyalty in his word, of how He never left his people even though they made mistakes, of how he was able to forgive and restore their lives after tragedies occurred. God never changes and so what he did for them, he can do for you. Remove yourself from anyone who wants to keep you in that guilty and shameful frame of mind that will have you ruminating endlessly about what you should’ve and could’ve done differently. The past is the past, and you need a community of supporters who will push you forward.
If you struggle to find this (as i often have), its okay. Being alone with Jesus is far better than being around people who push you down. Sometimes this walk is lonely, but stay encouraged and brave. God will always be there to help you every step of the way.
3. Trust God
