2002-12-29 - Passages about Regrets

At the end of a year, we often look back at the good and the bad. Most of us will have some regrets - perhaps an angry word we wish we could take back, a relationship we wish we had paid more attention to, a diet with which we wish we had persevered. Today we will read some Biblical passages that relate to regrets.

The thought-provoking movie "The Fisher King" was a poignant reminder of the immense blessing we have as Christians, that we can have our sins forgiven and that God will grant us peace. The lead character tries to deal with a heart-wrenching guilt, and nearly loses his sanity doing so. He didn't have faith as a resource. When I watched that movie, I remember thinking "without the forgiveness and peace from God, I don't know how some people could live with their guilt." And in fact, some don't. People have lost their sanity, and even their lives because they drowned under their guilt. But for the Christian, God can give us not only peace but can help us make amen ds when appropriate (as David's recent series reminded us). While we may have to live with the Earthly consequences of what led to our regrets, God will give us grace and even bring good from those mistakes.

Lamentations 3:22-23
The Lord's lovingkindnesses indeed never cease,
For His compassions never fail.
They are new every morning.
Great isYour faithfulness.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

Psalm 32:1-6 How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit!  When I kept silent about my sin, my body wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night, Your hand was heavy upon me. My vitality was drained away, as with the fever heat of summer. Selah. I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I did not hide. I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord," and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah. Therefore, let everyone who is godly pray to You in a time when You may be found.

Matthew 5:23-24 Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your offering there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

Romans 8:28 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Jan

 jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org