A Prayer to Find Freedom from Regret
A Prayer to Find Freedom from Regret
By Lynette Kittle
“Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.” - 2 Corinthians 7:10
How many of us deal with heartbreaking regret over things from the past, decisions, and situations we can’t change?
Regret relentlessly taunts us, telling us that if we had done this or hadn’t done that, we would have had a different, better outcome. But regret is not our friend. It lies to us, telling us what we should have done differently but giving us no hope or possibility of changing or correcting what happened in the past. Instead of comforting, it challenges what God assures us in Romans 8:28:
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”
God comforts us in His Word, promising us He will work everything in our lives together for our good, including the good, the bad, and the ugly. Because He gives us His word on this, regret is often rooted in unbelief, revealing a lack of trust in God to do what He says He will do with all the events and experiences in our lives.
Sadly, it’s easier for many to believe regret’s accusations over God’s word. This leads some to give in to the “what ifs” in regret’s relentless banter, believing its lies about the past rather than His promises concerning the future. Many believe the enemy of our souls lies in that they messed up and missed out rather than God working it out in their lives for good. 1 Peter 5:8 explains where these accusations and fears originate: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
How to Rid Ourselves of Regret
Because regret is a tool of the enemy set on robbing us of joy and keeping us in sorrow and fear, how do we rid ourselves of it? God invites us to let go of all our regrets and give them to Him to carry, offering us relief from the burden and weight of their guilt and torment and letting Him bear them for us. Psalm 55:22 describes how we can:
“Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.”
Casting our cares involves giving up regret by daily choosing to believe God’s word over guilty feelings and accusations. It includes confessing unbelief in God’s ability to work it for our good and asking Him to help us with our unbelief, to believe His truth over the devil’s accusations (Mark 9:24). 1 John 1:9 urges,
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.”
Even when it seems impossible, God is at work, causing all of life’s events to work together for our good, including the ones we feel regretful about. Because He is, we can choose to trust Him, believing what Jesus said in Mark 9:23: Everything is possible for one who believes.
Regret Replaced with Peace
When we let go of regret, Jesus gives us His peace.
“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” John 14:27
Because He understands the difficulties we encounter while living on earth, Jesus assures us,
“I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
Let’s pray:
Dear Father,
Today we receive the comfort of Your Word, casting our cares on You, asking You to free us from regret and to help us believe that You are working all things together for good in our lives. Lord, we lay regret, worry, sorrow, and guilt at Your feet, knowing we can’t carry them, but You can. Our hearts are grateful that You understand our weaknesses yet do not hold them against us. Fill us with Your peace and help us to move forward in life, confident that we can trust You with every experience and situation we face.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Photo Credit: ©Pexels/Julian Jagtenberg
Lynette Kittle is married with four daughters. She enjoys writing about faith, marriage, parenting, relationships, and life. Her writing has been published by Focus on the Family, Decision, Today’s Christian Woman, kirkcameron.com, Ungrind.org, StartMarriageRight.com, and more. She has a M.A. in Communication from Regent University and serves as associate producer for Soul Check TV.
Related Resource: Jesus Calling - Stories of Faith
Kerry Washington. Andrea Bocelli. Reba McEntire. Mark Wahlberg. Tony Dungy. Matthew McConaughey, What do all of these people have in common? They are all people of faith who have leaned on God in both the good and challenging times—and they’ve shown up to tell their story of faith on The Jesus Calling Podcast. The Jesus Calling Podcast provides a place for people from all walks of life to share the heartaches, joys, and divine moments that keep them going.
Inspired by Sarah Young's classic devotional book, the Jesus Calling podcast has brought encouragement and peace to millions. New episodes drop every Thursday! Listen today on LifeAudio.com or wherever you find your podcasts.
Now that you've prayed, are you in need of someone to pray for YOU? Click the button below!
