Regret can debilitate us more than fear.

Thinking about the past and what could’ve, should’ve, or would’ve been drains our hope for our future. When we blame ourselves for loss we’ve experienced, and dwell on how different things would be and how much more we would have “If only…” we bring shame upon ourselves.

Our adversary is a “kick-you-while-you’re-down” kind of enemy. But God is NOT a “make-your-bed-now-lie-in-it” kind of Father. He is our Advocate, and promises He will cause, “all things to work together for good to those who love Him, to those who are called according to His purpose,” even our own mistakes. (Romans 8:28)

On an especially difficult day filled with despair, when feelings of failure began to overpower, God spoke these words strong into my heart.

If you are looking into your past for any other reason than to learn from your mistakes or re-count the faithfulness of God, then you are headed down a road that has depression and regret written all over it.

Be careful when you are retrospective — don’t stay there too long. Take what you can use that gives life, that’s worthy of praise, that gives God glory, that doesn’t weigh you down, but impels you and compels you further into your purpose.

Leave the rest, and lay aside every unnecessary weight.

There is a reason the past is behind you, and the race is before you. Fix your eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher, the Pioneer and Perfecter of your faith. Run after Him. God’s calling you. (Hebrews 12:1-2)

The past cannot be changed or undone, but God will heal, redeem, and restore.

And if we should strive to seek answers, let our striving be to seek the answers in God.

In Christ we find purpose for the pain, strength for struggle, and faith for the fight.

Though we fall, let’s not dwell on the mistakes we’ve made, but what He’s done to redeem us from them.

Though we are at fault, let’s not dwell on our wrongdoing, but what He has done to make us righteous.

Though we are weak, let’s not dwell on our frailty, but His strength made perfect in it.

Though we lack, let’s not dwell on our inadequacy, but His adequacy.

Though we are flawed, let’s not dwell on being perfect, but allow Him to perfect us.

Though we fail, let’s not dwell on what we failed to accomplish, but His accomplishment on the cross, and that He meant it when He declared, “It is finished.”

Though our past is filled with brokenness, it’s not about the broken pieces, but that Jesus makes us whole.

It’s the kindness of God that leads to repentance and His blood cleanses us of all sin.

His grace abounds, and His love covers a multitude of sin.

“…I do this one thing: I forget about the things behind me and reach out for the things ahead of me. The goal I pursue is the prize of God’s upward call in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 3:10-14 CEB)