Let me start by defining the meaning of regret in reference to the bible gateway; Regret is defined as deep feelings of sorrow arising from past events now perceived as sins, mistakes or misfortunes.
The regret of acknowledgment helps us take back the power to cause a change in the direction we desire in life. This perspective rings true in my life each time I apply it as opposed to pointing fingers and blaming the other party, yes even the villain. We only have control over our own lives and not of others, we, therefore, acknowledge the reality but look inwards to empower ourselves, build ourselves in order to cause a change or shift towards a better direction for our lives.
It is interesting therefore how the world encourages us not to regret but to continue as nothing happened. This should not be so especially as people who look to God as our guide in life. Why do I say this? Because the word of God shows us that God himself experienced regret;
“The LORD regretted that he had made human beings on the earth, and his heart was deeply troubled”.
Genesis 6:6
“I regret that I have made Saul king, because he has turned away from me and has not carried out my instructions.” Samuel was angry, and he cried out to the LORD all that night”.
1 Samuel 15:11
It is therefore wise to acknowledge our pains, our disappointments, situations we have gone through that we feel were unfair or traumatizing. It is crucial the approach we take going about it though.
The word of God encourages us to look within to search our hearts and determine the state of our souls and look up to God, Jehovah Jireh (Provider), Jehovah Rapha (Healer), Jehovah Shalom (The Lord of Peace) for restoration and wholeness and not without (that is the world) for answers or solace where you will experience continuous sorrow and eventually death.
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death”.
2 Corinthians 7:10
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness”.
1 John 1:9
And after we have done all to stand, let us hopefully await our loving Father to make all things beautiful again because He can and He will. As His word says;
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten— the great locust and the young locust, the other locusts and the locust swarm — my great army that I sent among you”.
Joel 2:25
Isaiah (43:18-19) “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past”. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland.
I realize the more I focus on following the latest gossip, the next scandal or who did what and when to seek solace or comfort or feel better about myself in comparison, my soul grows heavy and weary. So like David did in his lowest of moments may we encourage ourselves in the Lord by meditating on His promises. ;
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us”.
Romans 5:3-5
“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.. To him be the power forever and ever. Amen”.
Peter 5:10-11
