Regret is one of the most painful emotions that a person can feel. People do everything they can to avoid it, sometimes even resorting to inaction, which may later on reach unhealthy degrees. However, even as believers, we are still works in progress who are being conformed to the image of Christ day by day, which God will bring to completion (Romans 8:29; Philippians 1:6). In other words, we don’t become perfect Christians overnight. Hence, committing mistakes that may or may not be the cause of regret is, in a sense, inevitable. The good thing is that even in such circumstances, the Bible provides us with truth that can comfort us. After all, God knows our frailties (Psalm 103:14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust.).
Lord Jesus, whenever I feel regret, You understand the pain of the emotions I’m feeling. You are my Great High Priest who clothed Himself with flesh and blood and are thus able to empathize with my weaknesses and understand my pain of regret. In Your name, I pray. Amen.
A Good Prayer for Regret
A Good Prayer for Regret
The Lord Is Still Sovereign
The Bible is very clear about God’s sovereignty. Theologians would say that God’s sovereignty is one of the attributes that shows why He is God. Even if the enemy continues to scheme in the shadows, there is nothing they can do to thwart God’s plans, for He is sovereign. What the enemy thinks he is doing to advance his kingdom of darkness is only being used by God to advance His purposes. One example is the crucifixion of Christ. The enemy thought he won when Christ was crucified, but he only ended up aiding in the salvation of humanity.
Psalm 97 has but one very clear message to us: The Lord reigns from His throne. No matter what circumstance we may be experiencing right now, even if it’s very deep regret, still, the Lord reigns. God is not scratching His head above, surprised by the event you’ve come to regret. No! He still reigns supreme on His throne. Isaiah 46:9-10 also teaches us that because God is sovereign, no matter our circumstances, His counsel shall stand, and He will accomplish all His purposes. He declares the end from the beginning. That is why Ephesians 1:11 states that He works all things according to the counsel of His will.
Comfort in God’s Sovereignty
How can we take comfort in God’s sovereignty when we feel regret? We can be comforted by the mere truth that even if we are in regret, God is still sovereign, and because He is sovereign, we can continue trusting God, His wisdom, and His providence. In Romans 9, Paul expresses his regrets over Israel, which rejected Christ. However, it is interesting that as he talks about his regret, he also talks about God’s sovereignty.
If God is sovereign, why didn’t He prevent us from doing something we would regret later on, steering us clear from this place of regret in the first place? Remember that while God is sovereign, He also allows us to make choices. Becoming Christians doesn’t mean overnight perfection. We still make mistakes and, therefore, regret those mistakes.
That is precisely where God’s sovereignty, providence, and wisdom come in and bring us comfort. Whatever mistake or failure we have regrets about, we can rest in the pillow of God’s sovereignty, wisdom, and providence, trust in Him, and be confident in He who works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). That truth relieves us of the burden of feeling regret. It allows us to cast our cares to God and entrust to Him the regrets we have (1 Peter 5:6-7).
Trusting God in Prayer
How, then, can we pray when we feel regret? We pray by remembering that God is sovereign, that He still reigns, that His providential hand is always at work, and that His wisdom is infinite. He is our Father who watches over us. Hence, as we ponder that in prayer, we surrender and entrust our regrets to God. Also, the Gospel is a very important part of our prayer. We must remember that whatever mistakes, failures, or mess-ups we had, the Gospel of Christ has many implications. It means that even if we fail, God still loves and values us, for we are justified in Christ. Our righteousness is not ours but that of Christ. Hence, we trust and cling to His righteousness, not ours. We also have Christ as our advocate (1 John 2:1). God knows us and our frailties. Even if we make mistakes, He does not quench a smoldering wick (Isaiah 42:3 A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not snuff out. In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;). Also, just like Paul, we forget what lies behind us and continue to faithfully run the race, knowing that we are running the race of life for Christ and have Him as our end goal (Philippians 3:13-14).
A Good Prayer for Regret
A Good Prayer for Regret
Father in heaven, you know the regrets I have, the mistakes and failures that I did my best to avoid. You know how much I strived to do what was right and prudent. But, Lord, I know you are still sovereign even in times of failure. I surrender these regrets to You, Lord, trusting Your wisdom and providence. You work all things for my good. Thank You because even in times of failure, I am still loved in Christ, and my mistakes do not define me. Give me the strength to press forward, learn from my mistakes, and grow in wisdom. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
What are those regrets that have been haunting and burdening you? Entrust and surrender them to God, and take confidence that even though you regret and wish otherwise, God’s providence is there, and He works all things for your good. When we commit mistakes, repentance without being too hard on ourselves is the proper response (Matthew 3:8 Produce fruit in keeping with repentance.).
A Good Prayer for Regret