Regret is to be sorry for something, for anything. It is a sorrow caused by circumstances beyond one's control or power to repair.
I - Examples of Regret - Losing a loved one, losing good opportunities, trusting wrong person, physical injuries, are examples. How many of us are suddenly possessed by regret for what could have been but did not? Whenever we look back especially those of us who are already advanced in years, we fantasize about what could have been but weren't able to because of negligence, laziness, or careless mistakes on our part.
II - Freedom From Regret - Recognize sin in our lives. "I acknowledge my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid, I said , I will confess my transgressions unto the Lord" (Psalm 32:3-5). Repent. God will remove the heaviness from our hearts in forgiveness. Only those who repented are forgiven. Confess to the person we have wronged. Ask forgiveness to those whom you have hurt. "Confess your faults to one another...and pray one for another, that ye may be healed" (James 5:16). We must change what could still be changed. Accept your present condition as an inevitable consequence of your past and resolve to improve from there. Make the most of out of present and future opportunities. Stop from looking backward. Look forward. Lost opportunities are lost. "Stop crying over spilled milk" as the saying goes. Stop using two deadly words "If Only." Replace them with these two beautiful words "Next Time."
It is the work of Satan to always remind us about our terrible past. But no matter how terrible the past is, it was already washed by the blood of Jesus Christ. Look backward only to be reminded of what should not be repeated. Whatever it is that you have regretting and crying, give it to the Lord. Let the blood of Christ cover the past and all its sad memories. Ask God to give you a heart full of spirit and anticipation for the good things to come.
(From Rev. Pastor Teofilito A. Rufon's Sunday Worship Messages at Odiongan Baptist Church)
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