Stop Carrying Regret Like a Ball and Chain

Either we run free to God with open arms, dropping any baggage from the past. Or, we drag along regret like a ball and chain.

Regret. Such a small word that packs a big punch. Often, it’s a supersized punch straight to the gut. And it leaves us gasping for air and reeling in pain deep in our soul.

Why? Because we feel like we are carrying the weight of a ball and chain.

Regret is displayed in these ways: sorrow/sadness, repentance, disappointment or remorse for a missed opportunity. (Google)

In order to unpack some of these specifics about regret, let’s look at examples and Scriptures.

Regret in Sorrow Like a Ball and Chain

We regret in sorrow or sadness. Perhpas a close relationship ended and we regret why it happened.

Or, a loved one dies when our relationship’s still strained or severed. This regret is sometimes unbearable. I’ve seen this fleshed out at funerals: sons and daughters or fathers and mothers or brothers and sisters skip the services because of a hurt or grievance. 

Also, regret over a broken relationship that robs us of precious time with someone we love. Years go by and we lose time that we never recover. How sad when this hits close to home. God never intended this kind of sorrow for unreconcilation.

Let’s pray to stay humble and attempt to live at peace in all relationships. Then, regret is not our companion now or when it’s too late.

“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:18 (NIV)

Repentance and Regret

Mistakes and sin keep us chained to regret. 

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God is Still Good Even When Life is Not

We hear it spoken. We see it on clothing, bags, hats, and as a framed quote.

Life is good.

The phrase rolls off our tongues and scatters across our devices.

It takes the spotlight when our online friend or family member has a new boyfriend, a new pet, a new car or a new “something.”

Perhaps the words are in order when we land the ideal job, get a promotion, win a contest or an award, receive good news on medical tests, or anything that makes us feel on top of the world.

But what about when life’s not good? What then?

Good and Pleasant Things

Because if we put our hope in the ever-changing nature of real life, at the first hint of things going south, we won’t be on top of the world. No, we find ourselves in life’s pit of despair.

You see, I’ve never been a fan of the phrase. And here’s why; look at Merriam-Webster’s definition of good. “The pleasant things that happen to people.”

Oh, I want pleasant things to happen to me. I’m betting so do you.

Sure, some days the pleasant things come. And I’m on cloud nine. But on other days, life’s pleasant things stay far away. Maybe they go on vacation or visit my neighbor.

Or, the good things in life happen to all those friends on social media. You know, the friends sharing the wonderful news and picture to prove that it really happened. And the friends type the words in all caps and add an exclamation point, LIFE IS GOOD!

Yet as Christians, our hope lies in God, not in life. He’s a good, good Father with a never-changing nature. The Lord overflows with love, goodness, mercy, hope, peace, joy, compassion, patience, and kindness. The things that matter. And no matter what happens, God’s still good.

Our hope lies in God, not in life. He’s a good, good Father with a never-changing nature. The Lord overflows with love, goodness, mercy, hope, peace, joy, compassion, patience, and kindness. The things that matter. #GodisGood Share on X Read More…

3 Ways Redeemed People Share Their Story

Tell us a story, Mama.

My kids often requested to hear a story when they were little. Sometimes from a storybook just waiting for us to get lost in the pages of a narrative. They enjoyed everything from classic tales of fictional characters to Bible stories about real people and Jesus. 

But some of my son and daughter’s favorite stories came from my own childhood.

True accounts of my favorite activities, my dog, and things my twin sister and I did when we were little that got us into trouble—double trouble.

As a lover of both the written and spoken word, I’ve always seemed to realize the power of story.

Yet, it took me a bit longer to realize that I have a unique voice and story to share with others, especially my God story.

And so do you, friend.

Look at Psalm 107:2 in the NIV, “Let the redeemed of the LORD tell their story—those he redeemed from the hand of the foe” (emphasis added).

Here are three things to consider as you find your voice to share your story.

Redeemed People: Reflect on your life up to this point.

When we look over the chapters of our lives, there are highlights and lowlights and things we’d rather not remember. But we can see it all as something God uses to grow us into His image, help others, and for His glory.

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Never Get Over Jesus and the Resurrection

I never, ever want to get over Jesus Christ and that He rose from the dead.

Do these phrases sound familiar? “Just get over it!” Or, “I’m so over it!” Maybe we tell others to “Get over it!” if they don’t agree with us on a matter. And we personalize the phrase when we walk through taxing circumstances or mundane daily routines, “I’m over it!”

But I’m not minimizing deep hurt and trauma. Telling each other to just get over significant loss or illness, for example, identifies us as insensitve and cruel.

Yet, in the same way, we often minimize the power of the resurrection and Jesus Himself in our lives.

We Get Over Salvation

Sometimes we get over Jesus saving us.

How? We grow complacent in our Christian walk and celebrating God’s redemption story. Still not convinced?

On December 26, are we already over the true meaning of Christmas and why Jesus came to earth? Further, whether one day, one week, or one month passes after celebrating the resurrection, are we over the epic and supernatural power of the Easter story?

Let’s remind our hearts of these truths:

• Jesus’ blood canceled our sin debt. The resurrection gave us grace.
• God canceled our former life. The resurrection gave us new life.
• Our Father canceled the enemy’s bondage. The resurrection gave us freedom.
• The triune God canceled our eternal punishment and death. The resurrection gave us everlasting life.

Jesus’ blood canceled our sin debt. The resurrection gave us grace. #Easter #Resurrection Share on X

Never Get Over Jesus Christ

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