As you look to the future, Satan wants to convince you that things are dark and hopeless. As a new creature in Christ, there is hope; there is promise. However, Satan wants to steal your future by constant reminders of past sins you have committed. He gets inside your head and convinces you that you aren’t forgiven and that you can’t be separated from your sin. He tells you that you will never be free from the past. God says that you are not defined by the past. Whatever mistakes you’ve made or sins you’ve committed don’t have to paralyze you. You can move on to a new day and live in your new identity in Christ.

Here’s the thing about regrets: we all have them. They are inevitable, we’ve all messed up. But regrets are forgivable. Not all regrets involve sin, but for those that do, God offers grace and forgiveness. Regrets can be directional; they can have a positive side. They can provide direction and compassion for living today. Lessons learned that will not be repeated. Regrets can also be inspirational. When you give God control of your life and recognize that you can do nothing about the past, there is peace in releasing it all to God.

Identify the regret that is plaguing your peace. Decide to start over. That may mean seeking forgiveness from someone, offering forgiveness to someone, and confessing to God. Then look to the future. Consider how you want to be remembered when you come to the end of life. What legacy do you want to leave? Are you heading in the right direction? It’s time to quit making excuses and putting off the things you know you should be doing. If you want to be remembered as a devoted Christ-follower, loving spouse, parent, leader, or whatever, it’s time to pursue God’s way. The world’s way is easy, wide, seductive, and alluring, while God’s way may seem difficult and confusing, but you are never taking a risk when you move forward with God.

Scriptures: John 10:10; Proverbs 23:18; Revelation 12:10; Psalm 38:4-8; Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Psalm 32:5; Micah 7:19; Philippians 3:13; Psalm 39:4; Matthew 7:13-14; Philippians 4:13

Verses: (Jn 10:10) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” (Pr 23:18) Your future is bright and filled with a living hope that will never fade away. (Re 12:10) For the one who stood before our God and accused believers day and night has been thrown out of heaven. (2 Co) Anyone who belongs to Christ is a new person. The past is forgotten, and everything is new.

Questions: Do you have regrets that plague you? Why can’t you put the past in the past? Have you witnessed anyone whose regrets are destroying them? If you live plagued by regret, does it mean you’re not really a Christian? Explain. If you are living with regrets, take the steps needed to put them to rest.

Prayer: (Hymn- Just a Closer Walk with Thee by Kenneth Morris) I am weak but Thou art strong. Jesus, keep me from all wrong. I’ll be satisfied as long as I walk, let me walk close to Thee. Just a closer walk with Thee. Grant it, Jesus, is my plea. Daily walking close to Thee. Let it be, dear Lord, let it be. I lay down my past, present and future. Keep me in your care. Let it be. In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen.