Read:

2 Samuel 12:13, “Then David said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ Nathan replied, ‘The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die.’”

Psalm 32:1-2, “Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the LORD does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.”

Think:

“What was I thinking?” “Why did I say that?” “Why didn’t I stand up and say something?” We all have had moments like these. David dealt with regret and was confronted by Nathan over an awful choice he had made. In the same manner, some of us construct bad decisions which we later regret. We can hear these voices haunting us for years. The longer destructive decisions are left unresolved, the louder the screams in our heads grow.

Although David was no stranger to mistakes and sin, his life provides a powerful picture of someone God used in spite of himself. He had an adulterous affair with Bathsheba, had her husband killed, and he didn’t deal with his family's conflict. Maybe, like David, you are ashamed of something you have done. You crumbled under pressure or you let your family down. The voice of regret is screaming in your ear, but Jesus is calling you to Himself. He extends His unending grace and forgiveness to you today. His call drowns out the voice of regret. He loves you in spite of yourself.

Act:

Ask God for His help in letting go of your past. Philippians 3:13 gives us a wonderful promise. We aren’t just freed from our past; we are released into peace, hope, and joy! Today, be real with God and talk about the pain. He can handle it. Release your pain and remember His promises.

Pray:

God, forgive me for my past mistakes. Help me to live forgiven. Amen.