July 2, 2025 · 12:30 pm

Leaving the Land of “Let’s Pretend”: Escaping the Grip of Regret

The gloves display in the store reminded me of a particular foolish choice I’d made as a young adult. I made many poor choices, but that one ended a friendship.

I asked the Lord, “Will I, or can I, ever come to the place where these memories don’t stab regret into my heart?”

I visited the “What Might Have Been” area so often that I could have established residence and registered to vote in that state. I’m joking, of course, but sometimes it seems that way. Why would anyone want to go there? Yet I do it.

Do you ever have thoughts that pull you into unhealthy thinking patterns? Does everybody struggle with that at times?

Ephesians 4:22-23 (NLT) says, “Throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes.”


Look at that! God’s Spirit can renew my way of thinking. I desperately need to change the way I think about that regret!

God answered my question later in the evening when He reminded me that “what might have been” is imaginary, but God is real. “If-only,” “what-might-have-been,” “what if”—these are all from the land of “Let’s Pretend.” They’re not true or real, so they are essentially lies. They are no more real than a fictional movie or book. Why should I cry over what is unreal?

Instead, I will thank God that He works everything together for the good of those who love Him. I remember that I’m not in charge. I can’t make the things I imagine come true, no matter how much I wish or cry. The past can’t be changed, but God can use it to teach me to trust Him. I can rejoice in this day that the Lord has made.

 I need to focus on heaven and think about what is real. I will let go of what could have been so that I can embrace the blessings of today.

Think about it:  What thoughts or attitudes do you need God’s Spirit to renew? How can you prepare yourself to receive His renewal?

Prayer: Loving Lord, please point out the areas of my mind and heart that need renewing. Please change me as I obey You in those areas.

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June 17, 2025 · 2:57 pm

Missing the Invitation, Finding God’s Purpose

“It looks like I’m the only one of the group who wasn’t invited,” I told the Lord. “I can’t understand why I was rejected.”

I was younger then, and over the years, I struggled to forgive the event organizer for excluding me. I may not have been the only person who was omitted. It may have only looked that way. The organizer and I weren’t great friends, but we weren’t enemies. There were other things to which I wasn’t invited, but they weren’t discussed in my presence. This one was, so I felt particularly hurt.

As a sensitive young person, prone to self-pity, I let rejection and other perceived problems drag me into depression. I have journeyed through two deep valleys of depression as an adult. Now, I can look back at such missed invitations with a different perspective. I see that they were opportunities to trust God in every circumstance. I regret not taking them.

Nevertheless, each day that God gives me presents new opportunities to trust Him. I may not have trusted God well in the past. Still, I can start doing better today.

As I get older, I no longer care about missing out on parties or events. Now, I don’t want to miss out on more of God and His love. I yearn to fit into His plans and purpose for me.

I think of a hymn we used to sing in church: “More About Jesus.” The lyrics of the first verse are:

More about Jesus, would I know, more of His grace to others show, more of His saving fullness see, more of His love who died for me.”

           –By E.E. Hewitt (1887).

Yes! I want to know Jesus better and show more of His love and grace to others. Don’t you?

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28 NIV).

Think about it: Are you still carrying past rejection? Instead of replaying the pain, you can invite God into it. Surrender your hurt and ask Him to show you His purpose in it—even if it’s years later. You don’t want to miss what matters most: getting to know Jesus more and sharing His love today.

Prayer: Father, thank You for working everything together for good for us who love You. You take our mistakes and sins and use them to work out Your purposes.

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May 15, 2025 · 5:06 pm

Walking Daily with Jesus: Finding Peace in His Presence

            One palliative care nurse asked her patients about their greatest regrets. They mentioned such things as “I worked too hard” and “I didn’t stay in touch with my friends.” If you were in their situation, what would you answer? I would answer, “I wish I had trusted and believed Jesus more.”

I’m not in that position yet, but none of us knows when we will finish our days on Earth. I can start today to avoid regrets. I will turn from unbelief. I will walk by the faith God has given me.

We are encouraged in Philippians 3:13 to forget the past and press on to God’s calling. But I have problems doing that. I wonder what would help.

One thing I can do is picture myself with Jesus every day. Then I won’t be tempted to look back at my failures or doubt His faithfulness and love. I can meditate on Bible verses that promise Jesus is here with me.

Here are three such verses. Would you like to join me in meditating on them?

“…And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20 NIV).

“Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you’” (Hebrews 13:5 NIV).

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me…” (Psalm 23:4 NIV).

Think about it: What do you regret doing or not doing in the past? Talk with Jesus about it. What would He tell you to do today?

Prayer: Thank You, Father, for forgiving and cleansing me when I confess my wrongdoings to You. You can do that because Jesus died for all of us and was raised from the dead. I ask Your Holy Spirit to guide me in living today without regret. Amen.
 

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April 24, 2025 · 5:17 pm

Faithful Gratitude: Trusting God in Life’s Uncertainties

            I’m thankful that the neighbor’s Rottweiler bit me. It wasn’t supposed to be out. This happened while my friend and I walked toward the river. Wait! What kind of crazy idea is that?

“Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:18 NLT).

             I can be glad that I can walk and that the dog was up to date on his vaccines. An infection developed in the wound. When I went to the clinic with another health problem, the nurse practitioner prescribed antibiotics, and my leg healed. I’m thankful I developed another problem which sent me to the clinic.

Later that week, my hair stylist missed my monthly appointment and didn’t call to cancel. As a result, I went to a more reliable stylist to get my hair done. Yet, as she finished, I looked in the mirror and was horrified. It was a total disaster! Can I still be thankful in that situation? Yes, I can be grateful that I have hair.

            The verse in Thessalonians says to be thankful IN all things. Another verse says to be thankful FOR all things. “Don’t be drunk with wine, because that will ruin your life. Instead, be filled with the Holy Spirit, and give thanks for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:18, 20 NLT). Oh, my! The Holy Spirit is the one who makes the difference here.

            I can see these incidents as opportunities by listening to the Holy Spirit. This allows me to get His peace even when things seem to go wrong.

Think about it: In what circumstances do you have trouble giving thanks? Do you thank God for things you don’t like?

Prayer: Dear Lord, You allow things that help us grow. Thank You for loving us so much! Amen.

If this post helps or blesses you, please share it with your friends.

For further reading, I recommend this article from “Bible to Life” by Dustin Crowe: https://bibletolife.com/resources/articles/thanksgivings-powerful-effects-amidst-our-trials/

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April 13, 2025 · 6:43 pm

Rejoicing in God’s Glory, Not Mine

            An article in the newspaper talked about godly young college students. I felt jealous of the students. They were doing a good job of honoring Christ at that stage of their lives. I didn’t do so well in my college years. Even today, I look at other Christians and wish I were more like them.

            Wisdom says that comparing yourself with others is never a good idea. I remember a poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson I learned in 5th grade called “The Mountain and the Squirrel.” In the poem, the mountain claims to be better than the squirrel. The squirrel replies, “Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; if I cannot carry forests on my back, neither can you crack a nut.”

            Later, my thoughts turned to God’s glory. I felt jealous of young people who seem to serve God and make decisions that honor Him. I wish I had done that when I was younger. I envy the parents or other caregivers. They have wisely advised their children. I wish I had parented that way.

But God reminded me this morning that what’s important is for Him to be glorified. It doesn’t matter who gives God glory or when it happens. As Psalm 115:1 says, “Not to us, O Lord, not to us but to your name be the glory, because of your love and faithfulness” (NIV).

            I’ve tried to do the right things, but my motives have often been impure. I’ve usually let myself get in my way. I can now see more clearly how to yield to God’s ways, so I’ll start to live His way today. I can rejoice with those who rejoice. I need not waste time dwelling on shame over my past, nor envy those who do well.

Think about it: Are you ever tempted to wish you were like someone else? How can you remind yourself to focus on God’s glory instead?

Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for Your love and faithfulness, which are glorious. Amen.

If this post blesses you, please share it with others and “follow” this blog if you aren’t already doing that. Thanks.

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March 30, 2025 · 5:47 pm

Know Your Worth: God’s Design in a Comparison World

            Jealousy arises when I look around and start comparing. I imagine others know God more intimately and are more obedient. They look kinder, purer, more loving, and generous than I. I think of myself as “less than” and “failure.”

            God sees that I often compare myself with others and discount His work in me. He reminds me that Christ’s body isn’t a single part. Like our physical bodies, His body is composed of several distinct parts. We have ears that can hear, but they can’t see. Likewise, our eyes see but don’t hear. The apostle Paul talks about this. He says that God has arranged each of us to fit in Christ’s body exactly as He wants us to be (1 Corinthians 12:14-20 NIV).

            I’m not less than those I’ve looked at and admired. I’m different from them. And God has a place for me. Of course, I’m a failure at being them. God never intended for me to be them. He already has one of each of them. God intends for me to be me, and I can succeed at that when I don’t try to copy others or discourage myself with comparisons.

            God sees the burden of comparison that often pulls me into a comparison quagmire. So, He reminds me of His Word. Hebrews 12:2 instructs us to keep our eyes on Jesus. Colossians 3:1-2 tells us to set our minds on heavenly things. These Scriptures are like planks He lays over the quicksand. I can grasp them by practicing what they say. Then He pulls me out of the mire.

Think about it: Do you compare yourself to others and find yourself less than you wish you were? How could you think differently?

Prayer: Dear Father, thank You for rescuing us from the quicksand of comparison when we stumble into it. Please help us listen to Your Holy Spirit so we can avoid those traps. Amen.

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March 12, 2025 · 5:41 pm

Overcoming Overwhelm: Draw Near to Jesus for Rest

I started praying, “I’m unfocused and overwhelmed again this morning. There are so many things to remember! I can’t catch up from being out of town a few weeks ago. My thoughts flit this way and that as I try to focus on my devotional reading.”

 The “tyranny of the unexpected” bothers me more than the “tyranny of the urgent” I’ve heard of. For example, my husband brings home vegetables when I plan to work on a project. These vegetables need my attention and work. Or, when I start sorting through projects to decide priorities, I’m distracted by other interesting ideas.

Another unexpected difficulty is how much time I spend trying to do “tech” things that I struggle with.

I’m also sad about my favorite cat, who died a few weeks ago. Guilt nags at me—was it my fault he died? Would he have survived if I were a better pet caregiver or had left him with the vet longer?”

The Bible verse Matthew 11:28 came to mind. There, Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (NIV).

As I thought about the instruction in the verse, I argued, “But I’ve already come to You, Jesus. I belong to You. Nothing can take me out of Your hands.”

Jesus answered, “Yes, but are you feeling weary and burdened today?”

“Yes.”

“So, come to Me again. Come closer and listen to Me. Anytime you feel weary, see it as a signal. You need to come closer to Me. Take My yoke and get lined up with Me. Together we can pull ahead. Then, you can find rest for your soul.”

“Jesus, I will humble myself, listen to and learn from You.

“Don’t try to make it on your own. I am with you. Come, and keep coming as often as you need to.”

Think About It: What causes you to feel weary? What words can you use to express your weariness to Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for being my peace and giving me rest when I draw near. Amen.

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February 13, 2025 · 4:59 pm

Let Go of Shame: Find Freedom in God’s Love

My friend and I discussed the guilt and shame that lingered because of our poor choices, which had harmed others. We wanted to go back and try to fix things. Would that help us feel less guilty? Probably not. Or suppose we decided to relinquish our regrets. Would that be better?

What if we let go of the shame and turned our attention to Jesus? We would be free to enjoy God’s love through Christ. We don’t deserve that kind of freedom, but God’s love and grace are never given to someone who deserves them. We don’t please God when we hang onto forgiven sin.

How much more pleased He will be when we leave those things at the cross and get our gaze back on Jesus! We could obey God’s Word in Colossians 3:1-2 and focus on heaven instead of on regrets here on earth. Our obedience pleases God.

          My friend and I prayed for one another so that we could relinquish our regrets and continue life’s journey with joy.

“Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed” (James 5:16 NIV).

Think about it: Are there things from the past that keep popping into your mind? How can you think in a way that pleases God?

Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, please help us let go of regrets and seek to obey and to please God. Amen.

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January 22, 2025 · 3:40 pm

Encouraging Post by Cindy Grasso

Beyond Measure

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January 22, 2025 · 11:26 am

How to Discern God’s Voice in a Noisy World

Jesus said that His sheep know His voice, and they won’t follow the voice of another (John 10:4-5). Sometimes, though, I listen to the world’s voice. I also seem to follow my flesh or the devil. So, what makes me do that?

The world views life without God’s perspective. It shouts at every turn, “It’s all about me.” The flesh wants everything instantly and seeks comfort, ease, and importance. It makes excuses for my sin. The devil lures with temptation, then heaps on guilt and condemnation when I’ve succumbed. He twists scripture into palatable untruth so I end up believing his lies instead of God’s truth.

Jesus’ sheep hear His voice. I’m one of His sheep because I believe He’s God’s Son. He sacrificed Himself to reconcile me to God. But am I surrendered to Christ in every area of my life? As I draw closer to Him and yield more of myself to Him, I’ll hear Him more often.

Or is it that I’m not consistently putting on the whole armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-17)? The helmet of salvation protects my head from the world’s thoughts. The belt of truth keeps me from swallowing the devil’s lies. The shield of faith fends off his temptations and condemnation. The Spirit’s sword (the Word of God) cuts flesh/world ideas from spirit ideas.

Finally, Hebrews 5:14 says that the mature person can discern good and evil through practice. As I practice listening to Jesus more, I will know His voice better and will follow Him more closely.

To think about: What hinders your reception of the Shepherd’s voice? What do you need to do to improve your spiritual hearing?

Prayer: Thank You, God. You keep working with us, Your sheep. This helps us hear Jesus clearly. It allows us to follow Him closely.

NOTE: I linked the Scripture references to Bible verses at Bible Gateway (https://www.BibleGateway.com). All except the Hebrews reference are in the New International Version. Hebrews 5:14 is from the Common English Bible.

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