Stop Living with Regret and Guilt - Embrace the Mercy of God
by Teresa(1,457)
Freelance writer/Speaker
Most of us regret one or two things (to say the least) we have done. We carry the burden with us where ever we go and it weigh’s us down. We try to “make up” for it by doing good deeds. Some of us go to confession, and even repeat pre-written prayers that are designed to free us from guilt and regret. These things work – for a while maybe, but then the same old feelings come right back.
Why is this? Perhaps it’s because we think doing good things and following formulas can bring freedom. We would rather consider our actions as a “mistake” instead of calling it what it really is – Sin. Regret and guilt are always connected with sinful behavior – whether it is regarding something you did and shouldn’t have, or something you didn’t do and should have. Sin in its simplest definition means to “miss the mark”. Sort of like playing darts and anything short of hitting the bull’s eye is a loss. God’s holiness requires perfection. Something you and I could never accomplish and this is why the Bible tells us that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. (Rom 3:23.)
In my opinion, Lamentations is one of the most depressing and yet encouraging books in the Old Testament. It gives the history of a nation’s regret and guilt from continual disobedience to God, and many of the consequences that followed. Fortunately, it also gives the hope and freedom that comes from an ever-merciful God. It is as relevant to us as it was to the Israelites – for obvious reasons – we are just as disobedient and stubborn at times as they were.
Let’s read some of the encouraging passages that will (hopefully) turn our hearts toward repentance, so that we may embrace the mercy of God.
“See, O LORD, that I am in distress; my soul is troubled; my heart is overturned within me, for I have been very rebellious. Outside the sword bereaves, at home it is like death.” Lamentations 1:20
“Let us search out and examine our ways, and turn back to the LORD; let us lift our hearts and hands to God in heaven.” Lam. 3:40-41
“Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion.” Says my soul, Therefore I hope in Him!” The Lord is good to those who wait for Him. To the soul who seeks Him” Lam 3:22-25
It may be that you are in a good place for now; perhaps it's not so much about what you are doing wrong, but it's about what you are not doing, this too is sin.
“…Therefore, to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin.” James 4:17
Sin is sin – and every aspect of it can separate us from God – as believers we know this to mean our fellowship is broken and peace escapes us. For the non-believer, this means you are still trapped in your sinful state and need to invite Jesus into your life for salvation.
No matter your current state, freedom can only be found in embracing the mercy of God. Leave the old baggage at the feet of Jesus and take hold of new opportunities to live a life of peace and fulfillment – the ultimate reward for this is when we step into eternity we can face Jesus with as few regrets as possible.
A friend of mind recently wrote a poem that I would like to share in closing. Take it to heart; may the words leave you examining your heart in deeper ways.
Regrets
My mental list
Of what I did do
Is under the blood
Covered by You.
Troubling me most
Since You set me free
Is the undone list
You have planned for me
There’s the waitress
Not walking in light,
Did you want me to share
With her that night?
My heart was upset,
A friend let me down,
Where You nudging me
To come around?
I listened to jokes,
But only a few
Though they surely weren’t
An honor to you.
Someone gossiped
About my friend,
Did they think I agreed?
Should my silence end?
Those times I argued
Are You talking to me?
Not taking that step
To share liberally.
Satan has lied
Again and again
As I try to die
To the fear of men.
Child, I forgive you
So start a new day
Good choices to make
To start a fresh way
Your life’s not over
You’ve a race to run
You can walk with the best,
Jesus, My Son
Those who don’t know Him
Have much to lose,
They need to hear
In order to choose.
I will give you Words
That you need to say,
Courage and wisdom,
To show you the way.
It’s not too late
To start anew, with Holy boldness
In all that you do.
Omissions forgiven,
Ask to be strong
My Spirit will help you
To right the wrong.
Oh, my Father,
Seeking this gift too,
Your strength and promise
My weakness subdue.
To teach and guide me
To overcome in You
Fresh forgiveness
No sin in review.
How can I thank You
You’ve covered it still
Stumbled toddler, me
Trying to do Your will
Marijo Phelps
Will you be a soul that seeks Him?
(C) Teresa Ortiz
Article submitted Sunday, June 14, 2009 & read 995 times.
Leave Your Comments:
» left by Emily Root from California (1 year 46 days ago.)
We just heard about guilt and regret at church today! Thanks for sharing Teresa, this is really good!EmRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Em,
How are you doing? Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. I love it when God seems to be working a particular theme through His church, especially in terms of reaching out to the wounded. While I was thinking of writing this, it came up with other friends and family as well. Then another friend's poem, and now your pastor :-)
We need to be praying for healing and freedom for all people. Thanks again. God bless! Teresa
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» left by Deborah Hall-Branch (1 year 45 days ago.)
One would say how amazing two people could speak on the same subject, but we who are spiritual know that it is through divine order does God endow into two or three witnesses who are willing to hear His voice. Just on this morning I ministered to a deeply distraught woman the unbearable weight of carrying guilt and regret. We can never make up for those past errors we've made, but through the asking of forgiveness, can find peace.DeborahRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Deborah, you are right, it is a God thing, and as I mentioned to Emily, it would seem to be a current theme and message God is spreading. Time is short, repentance is neccessary. The chains must be broken in Jesus name!
Thanks for sharing, Teresa
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» left by Brian Farrell(295)(1 year 43 days ago.)
Thank you for sharing from your heart, the heart of God, Teresa. I need to be reminded of what grace really is and of God's grace toward me every single day! Grace is a foreign concept to us humans!All our righteousnesses are like filthy rags (Isa 64:6). There is nothing I can do to make myself right in God's eyes. Mankind's salvation is completely dependent on God's goodness, mercy and grace. He will begin to change us once we allow His Spirit to work in and through us, but this has nothing to do with being made right with Him. But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus (Romans 3:20-26).May the Lord bless you richly because of His grace alone.Respond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi Brian, how are you?
Thank you for your input. I think the closer we get to christ, the more we realize just how big grace is. But, I don't believe we will fully understand grace until we meet him face to face.
Blessings right back to you! Thanks for all you share.
Teresa
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» left by Marijo Phelps from mountain meadow in CO (1 year 43 days ago.)
I think the Lord is highlighting things in orange magic marker here - same week, across the US from each other and "nudged" by Him. Thanks for including my poem and for writing your "sermonette" - wow - HE is incredible...MarijoRespond to this comment
» left by Teresa(1,457)
Hi marijo, thanks for stopping by :-)
I think you are right. Seems to be a common theme this past week. Thank you for allowing me to use your poem. It fits well, and actually stands as a sermon all on its own! Yes, He is incredible!
Blessings to you! Teresa
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