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Listen while you read: "O Could I Speak The Matchless Worth"1
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Matthew 4:17 – From that time on Jesus began to preach, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." (NIV)
We all make mistakes in our lives, and there are things in our past that we often regret. Sometimes, it's about something that we've neglected to do or say, and other times, it could be something that we've said or done. For me, it was my alcoholism. Whatever the case, we feel regret, and we wish that things could have been different.
The burden of regret can cause us to become greatly disappointed with ourselves and may even lead to some form of depression. Because we're human, we try to suppress thoughts and feelings about our mistakes, so we seek instead to console our bodies, minds, hearts, and souls by obsessing on other things, other longings, and even other people. Sadly, for some folks, this creates an addiction to food, alcohol, substances, or even pornography, sometimes leading them down a path of no return. Their regrets have been artificially nullified by their obsessions; their guilt has been numbed by their addiction. When I struggled with alcoholism, it was largely as a response to some major mistakes that I had made as a teenager, including a suicide attempt. Decades later, I'm beginning to understand what led me into my addiction.
One of the first things that Jesus did when He began His ministry was to offer people a way to be released from the captivity of regret. He urged people to repent of the past, so that the kingdom of God's love could enter their hearts and minds, bodies and souls.
God's grace is evident because it has the power to liberate people from the past and enable them to live without regret in the present. It's a beautiful gift and one that everybody needs.
Today, Christ offers us the same opportunity to cast off our ragged regrets and to put on the robe of renewal. We are allowed to begin again and to have our hope restored. Jesus will repair our joy; Christ will reconnect us to God. All that we need to do is to repent — to let go of the past and to let God lead us into the future.
1 John 1:9 – If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. (NIV)
Point to ponder: What is my biggest regret? Am I willing to hand it over to Christ and to receive His forgiveness?
Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know us completely: every mistake that we have made, every false word that we have spoken, every wrong path that we have taken. You also understand the burden of regret that we carry from those mistakes. Help us to come to You, to confess our secrets, and to receive Your grace. In Your holy name, we humbly pray. Amen.
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About the author:
John Stuart <traqair@aol.com>
Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
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Thank you.
Good thought, today, John.
Enjoyed your message today.
Amen and amen, John! To God be the glory. Blessings.
Hi John,
Loved your writing this morning.
Thank you for this timely piece. I appreciate your writing.
(Manitoba)
John – Thanks for this reaffirmation of the beauty we experience with Christ on the throne of our hearts.
Thank you, John, for your wise words of encouragement, renewal, and restoration as you shared God’s Word with us today. God Bless!
Thanks for this very helpful devotional. We all need help with past regrets that carry on into and affect our daily lives. Your devotional shows where there is help. Thank you. Blessings.
I agree, John. Regret over past “mistakes,” (sins, right?) can steal our joy. How wonderful it is to know that our sins are truly forgiven when we confess them to our loving Heavenly Father.
John, thank you for putting forward this different idea of the word and meaning of repent by your own example as well as your interpretation of what is a simple truth.
You have helped me, and I am sure many others, by today’s devotional.
Good morning, my brother in Christ.
Thank you for sharing with us. I’m sure this could give victory to many who suffer the torment of addiction in themselves or someone they love.
In Christ’s name and for his sake.
Well said John – and well worth repeating. Those things we regret have a pattern of returning, until finally their returns are much further apart, and we have become more adept at turning so quickly to the Lord. Thank you for your reminders – they are always helpful and welcome. God bless.
Good morning, John,
Thank you for sharing this today. We are so blessed to have God that sees all and forgives all when we humbly come to Him!
I am very thankful for His forgiveness of my past!!!
God bless.
Thank you, John, for your very positive and encouraging words. Yes, we must be so thankful that when we come to the Lord and ask forgiveness for our wrongdoings, He is so willing to forgive us and help us get on the right path. He truly is very loving and ready to hear our pleas. Blessings for your special devotional writings.
Thank you, John, for your topic of handing over past regrets to our Lord through the stories of Jesus’s role showing forgiveness of self. It is a good thing to admit our regrets that we’ve kept in our memories that “pop” up. It’s a wonderful exercise to use, handing them over to God through Jesus.
(Ontario, Canada)
Good morning, John,
It is a wonderful feeling when God releases us from our regrets. Sometimes they wander back into our mind and God faithfully helps us once again. I believe that some of these regrets are meant for us to have so that we can share our faith with others who have similar ones. God works in wondrous ways. I am sure you have shared many times with others from your regrets and know that it has helped them and yourself. Thanks for sharing so honestly and encouraging others. Blessings.
Dear John,
What a fantastic devotional you have given us today. You are a remarkable person. You shared your innermost self with us today. Thank you. Our Lord Jesus Christ is willing and able to remove all of our pain, sufferings, and weaknesses whether great or small and restore us to himself when we take everything to Him in prayer. You did! And just look at what Our Lord Jesus Christ has done for you. Praise God!
Peace!
God loves you – Jesus sacrifice on the cross gives us forgiveness, Hope.
Thank you for a very helpful devotional. I appreciate your insight and honesty.
A great post on forgiveness and God’s mercy. A message many need to hear. Many thanks!
Thank you, John, for sharing your personal struggles with us. I, too, have many regrets and am ready to put on “the robe of renewal”.
Thanks, John, for your openness in discussing a subject that plagues much of God’s world. I often pass along your devotions to a local based group which I support.
Hello John – your message hit home with me, and I wanted to thank you for having the courage to write about a difficult subject. I see people in my family who are using alcohol in various ways (that are not healthy). It is hard to understand but, you have pointed out some reasons for the drinking – ie; to forget mistakes made in the past (regrets) and this makes sense! There seems to be more people with addictions now than ever before and most of them are in denial! Despite severe penalties for drinking and driving in Ontario, Canada – the number of people doing this is rising along with fatalities – it is so sad!