REGRETS

Philippians 3:13–14

13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,

14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.

Frank Sinatra once sang:

“Regrets, I’ve had a few, but then again, too few to mention.”

It is perhaps significant that these words come from the song My Way.

I do have some regrets, and I often ask myself why. When I look back, I realise that most of my regrets stem from times when I strayed from my Lord in one way or another.

Some of those regrets include:

• After my first two years at college, I did not complete my degree.
• I bought a static caravan and ended up losing a great deal of money on it.
• I went to America and never saw my mother again.

All of these things have been painful for me. They are scars that have healed over time, but healing has required patience, prayer, and repentance.

Many people develop deep regrets as they grow older. The words “What if?” are words many of us have spoken at one time or another.

The truth is that we all have regrets. We have all taken wrong turns and made choices that have hurt us or others.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT

As you look back on your life, you will probably find some regrets, and those memories may still hurt.

But as a Christian, healing is available. True and meaningful healing can come through Christ. While the memories may remain, God can remove the burden and pain that they carry.

The great hope of the Christian is this: not only does Jesus forgive and cleanse our past, but He also gives us hope for the future.

We can press forward toward the prize of knowing Christ in this life, but that is not the end of the story.

We can experience a full and abundant life here on earth, but even more importantly, we have the promise of eternal life. The Christian can look back and see mistakes, failures, and missed opportunities, but they can also see the gracious hand of God guiding and sustaining them.

The Christian understands that life on earth is temporary and will one day come to an end. Yet there is something beyond this life.

There is eternity.

There is hope for everyone who has placed their trust in the finished work of Christ.

As for me, I have no regrets about trusting Christ. It is the best decision I have ever made.

What about you?