Regret and Dread

By Katie Hershberger

January 1, 2009

Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. (Phil 3:13-14)

Regret of the past and dread of the future are both thieves of joy. Let's examine each of them in detail to learn what causes them and how to avoid them as we continue our quest to enjoy the abundant life that God has provided for us through His son Jesus.

Many people stay trapped in the past. There is only one thing that can be done about the past, and that is forget it. When we make mistakes, as we all do, the only thing we can do is ask God's forgiveness and go on. Like Paul, we are all pressing toward the prize of the high calling, but none of us has arrived.

I believe Paul enjoyed his life and ministry and this one aspiration of his was part of the reason why. Like us, he was pressing toward the prize of the high calling, admitting that he had not arrived, but having insight on how to enjoy his life while he was making the trip. That is a lesson we all must learn, as I can attest from personal experience. We all do something, or did something in the past that we regret, but we need to let go of the past. We are not the same people anymore; at the moment we confess our sins they no longer exist.

I know it can be tough to deal with the fact that you can't change some of the thing's you did in the past, but just move on.

There are two things I want you all to understand, the past is the past, you won't forget but you can't change it either. God takes care of our past if we let Him; He wants to help us in everything we do. He wants us to know when He is doing something for us and we need to pay close attention to what is going on around us.

I believe for me personally, every time I think of my past life, I become a stronger person. If we do something that we regret later, what can be done about it once it has occurred ? Nothing! The only thing to do is forget it and go on. Of course we ask God to forgive us, but even after we ask for His forgiveness, we still have to choose to except it and forgive ourselves. Forget what has happened and go on with our lives.

Until we learn to forget our mistakes and refuse to live in regret of the past, we will never really enjoy life. I still get days that it feels like everything goes wrong, and deep down you don t know why, or what it is. I truly believe that is Satan trying to pull us down. He wants to ruin our day that God has all planned out for us. Let me share with you what I like to do at times like that.

That's when I like to stop with whatever I am doing and spent time with God. Maybe pick up the bible, read several encouraging scriptures, take a short walk, There are so many different things to do at times like that.

Don t let Satan ruin your day.

Today I discovered something amazing, we were driving down the road; my husband's driving, the two little boy's are sleeping, everything's quiet, and I was starring up in the clouds and beyond. I love clouds and sometimes you see amazing shapes in them. As I looked, I saw this huge cloud right over the sun, and it had a hole in it, next to the sun. The first thing that came to my mind: there is only one way to Heaven and the door is always open.

Anyway after a while, as the clouds kept moving they formed into the shape of a heart, and in that heart were the most beautiful rainbow colors ever. Just imagine all the things God has for us once we get to Heaven!! When I saw that heart, I told Joni, God has a big heart for His children-He loves all of us.

God wants us to live in peace, so don't let Satan ruin your day.

Give all your problems over to God and he will take care of them. I promise, it will give you peace of mind.
We need to understand that mistakes are a regular part of our life.

In Hebrews 11;6 we can read that "without faith it is impossible to Him". I believe that God has taken care of my past and my future, therefore, I don't have to live in regret or dread.

God will tell you what you are about to do wrong, so you can change your mind before you make a mistake.

Satan waits until it's too late, when you can no longer do anything about it, and then tries to bring regret and dread upon you. You will find many areas in your own life in which Satan tries to cause you regret, which is one of the thieves of joy. Don't let him use regret to steal your enjoyment any longer.

The Bible says that if we have Faith like a mustard seed we can move mountains. Isn't that awesome?! Just give your worries over to God and ask him to help you.

Trust me, I did and I am living a wonderful life. I enjoy everyday because I know God is by my side. Therefore I have nothing to worry about.

So many people are talking about the economy and recession (or depression) whatever they call it. I have even been asked if we are paying attention to the news? I tell people I don t need the news because I have God, and I put my Faith and trust in Him; I know He will provide for everything we need.