I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead – Philippians 3:13 NLT
If anyone in scripture had reason to live with regret, it was the apostle Peter. After the arrest of Jesus, he denied being a follower of the Lord three times. Then just before the crucifixion, he ran away like a frightened child, leaving his Friend to die alone. In the Old Testament, King David regretted his adultery with Bathsheba and the murder of her husband. Even the legendary Moses dealt with heavy regret as he hid in the desert for forty years after murdering an Egyptian soldier.
Perhaps like these famous people in the bible, you have been living with regret over your choices or decisions. I know from personal experience that regret can weigh heavy on the human heart for a long time, causing you to feel burdened, guilty, and stuck in the past. Peter was released from regret when Jesus restored him through love and forgiveness. Like Peter, you don’t have to live with regret chaining you to the past. Jesus permitted Peter to move forward with his life, and He wants to do the same for you. (John 21:15-17)
Regret results from a collision between our actions and the damaging outcomes they produce. You might regret hurting someone, neglecting your responsibilities, or squandering an open door of opportunity. While it’s important to admit your mistakes, excessively dwelling on them can negatively influence your life. So instead of generating more negative feelings about the unchangeable past, let’s get you moving in a positive and healthy direction with these four steps.
1. Learn from your past but live in the present. Remembering the lessons you learned from your encounter with regret is important. However, dwelling on the past can prevent you from fully experiencing the blessings and opportunities God has given you in the present. Overcoming regret requires you to anchor yourself in the grace of God today, making the most of every opportunity He places before you. You are greatly loved, profoundly forgiven, and restored to new life through Jesus. (Philippians 3:13-14)
2. Cultivate gratitude. Thankfulness is a powerful remedy to apply to the sting of regret. When you focus on the blessings in your life rather than what you lack or wish you could change, you will find contentment to move forward in victory. Be grateful for the lessons you learned that will help you avoid repeating past choices, and don’t forget that the Lord will use your mistakes to help others as well. Those who maintain a grateful attitude are undefeatable because they have endless remembrances of God’s faithfulness to draw from. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)
3. Acceptance is the final part of overcoming regret. Some things in life are beyond our control, and reviewing them repeatedly in our minds only perpetuates our feelings of remorse. Acceptance does not mean condoning your past actions but acknowledging that you cannot change them. When that specific thought pattern of regret creeps into your mind, begin thanking and praising Jesus for His continued grace upon your life. Then focus on allowing God to change you so you make better choices in the future. (Isaiah 43:18-19)
4. Embrace the journey. Overcoming regret is a journey that involves faith that God will use your past circumstances for good (Romans 8:28). By acknowledging your regrets, seeking forgiveness, living in the present, being thankful, and through acceptance of what you can’t change, you will find healing and hope for a bright future. Following these four steps will greatly help you let go of regret and embrace a purposeful life looking forward to what lies ahead. (Philippians 4:8-9)
Dig Deeper
1. Reflect on regrets you have released in the past. What lessons did you learn after releasing them to God? How have you used those lessons to move forward in your life?
2. What advice can you share with others that would help them live a regret-free life?
