REGRET

Guilt over past sins can haunt even the most devoted follower of Christ. Your immoral acts suddenly come to your mind and strong feelings of shame make you shudder. 

The Word of God reveals that Satan seeks to cripple your walk of faith. He is 'the accuser of the brethren, who accused them before our God day and night'. (Revelation 12:10)

The Lord has provided a way to deal with 'regret'.

There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:1

Regret usually falls into one of two categories ... 'foolish choices' and 'sinful choices', each requiring a different response.

Foolish choices are situations we put ourselves in that we wish had turned out differently. These immature decisions are to be seen as a learning experience ... forgive yourself, and turn it over to God. Nothing is wasted; it can be used for your spiritual maturation. 

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

Sinful choices have consequences that can remain for a lifetime. The unremitting scars remind us of the hurt we inflicted on ourselves and others. The pain of this 'regret' may cause us to act out in ways we would not normally consider. Some try to do what they can to offset the weight of their sin, but true relief can only come through 'redemption'. 

Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14

Scripture reveals that there is a difference between mere regret and true repentance: Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death. (2 Corinthians 7:10)

Rather than letting 'regret' win the battle of your mind, be transformed by the Holy Spirit's indwelling. Then your past sins will actually magnify Christ's power to forgive. If you come to Him, believing that His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient payment for the debt you owe God, freedom is yours ... 

God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21

You may regret your past, but don't let it be your focus. Keeping your eyes on the Author and Finisher of your faith allows you to see sin for what it is ... forever removed. 

As far as the East is from the West, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:12

Come before the throne of grace and lay your burden down.