Regret often comes from moments where we believe we should have known better, acted differently, or chosen another path. It can cling like a shadow — especially when the consequences of past decisions still shape our present. In Christian counseling, we see regret not as a final verdict on your life, but as an invitation to healing, humility, and renewed trust. 

“Leave the broken, irreversible past in God’s hands, and step out into the invincible future with Him.” — Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (1935, reading for January 1) 

Regret becomes destructive when it convinces us our story is finished — that because we failed then, we are unworthy now. But Scripture reminds us that God’s mercies are “new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23). You are not defined by your worst chapter. 

Understanding the Roots of Regret

Sometimes regret is about sin — choices that caused harm. Other times, it’s about loss — grieving “what might have been.” Processing regret means discerning which parts are ours to confess and which need to be released into God’s grace. 

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.” — Psalm 56:3 (NIV)  “The true measure of spiritual life is not enthusiasm, but obedience.” — Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (1935, reading for June 14) 

Obedience today can heal the wounds of disobedience yesterday.  

When Regret Turns Into Self-Accusation

Endless rumination is a form of self-punishment that blocks healing. God convicts to restore — the enemy condemns to destroy. 

“When the devil reminds you of your past, remind him of his future.” — A.W. Tozer, The Quotable Tozer (Compiled)  “If we allow ourselves to dwell on the past, we shall do nothing in the present.” — Charles Spurgeon, Sermon #1558, “The Sin of Unbelief” 

Grace is not given so we can keep reliving yesterday — it’s given so we can rise.  

Learning From What Was Lost

Growth requires that we face regret honestly. We ask: What did I learn? What does this reveal about my values? How can I honor God moving forward? 

“Failures, repeated failures, are finger posts on the road to achievement.” — C.S. Lewis, Collected Letters: Volume II (1951)  “God never wastes pain.” — Elisabeth Elliot, A Path Through Suffering (1990) 

Your regret may actually be evidence of a softened, teachable heart.  

When Regret Involves Other People

Relationships leave the deepest marks. Apology and amends can be powerful — but you cannot control how someone responds. Forgiveness — whether giving or receiving — is not excusing the past. It is releasing your future. 

“Let the past sleep, but let it sleep in the sweet embrace of Christ.” — Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (Reading for October 11) 

Stepping Into Redeemed Hope

Regret tells us: It’s too late. The gospel says: It’s never too late for God. 

“All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on His being with them.” — Hudson Taylor, A Retrospect (1894), p. 30  “We can only know one moment of grace at a time.” — Amy Carmichael, Edges of His Ways (1955), p. 68 

Grace is always arriving in the present moment — not the one you left behind.  

Some Questions to Journal With God

• What regret still weighs on my heart today? 
• Which regrets require confession? Which require release? 
• Where have I seen God bring redemption from a past mistake? 
• Who might I need to forgive — including myself? 
• What faithful next step can I take this week? 

You Are Not Stuck in Yesterday

You cannot rewrite the past — but God can redeem it. Every chapter surrendered into His hands becomes part of a bigger story: one where mercy wins, restoration unfolds, and the future is held by the One who never regrets loving you. 

A Final Word… and a Resource for Your Healing Journey

Regret doesn’t get the last word in your life. God does. If you’re longing for a guided way to process your feelings, rebuild hope, and walk with Christ into a redeemed future, I’ve created a tool that can help. Faith-Based Mental Wellness Workbooks Journaling prompts • Therapeutic reflection • Encouraging Scripture • Practical guidance 

Explore the full collection here: https://paperlesspoppy.patternbyetsy.com/shop