Ever Had Any Regrets?
by Peter Brokaar
Recently I found myself, for some reason, humming the tune of Edith Piaf’s song ‘Non, je ne regrette rien’. This wildly popular song is a tribute to a life lived without regrets and has met with praise from millions of people worldwide since its release in 1960.
A similar cry is frequently found in interviews with famous persons. The interviewer might ask: ‘What about your life or career do you regret the most?’ All too often the response is: ‘I live life without looking back’ or ‘Life is too short for regrets’ or something else of that ilk.
Statements of that sort might sound really good, but what is their value in terms of eternity. Would you really want to come to the throne of the Almighty with a life lived without regrets? My suspicion is that, when people are faced with their Creator, many of them wish they had taken a bit more time during their earthly life to have some regrets. Some of the best advice I ever received came from a sermon by A.W. Tozer. He suggested that when we repent, we take our time with it. We should take our time with it and not rush the repentance before God.
The devil likes being able to accuse us. He would like to see us permanently imprisoned by fear, condemnation and guilt. God’s heart, on the other hand, is for us is to be free. He wants us to be free from the stain of sin and from the burden of guilt. When God’s Spirit brings us conviction it’s a wonderful thing to be able to repent properly and thoroughly. It’s when we’re able to turn away from our sin that we know, deep in our hearts, that we’re forgiven. Afterwards we can move on in our lives, as a changed man or woman, forever free from the guilt of our past.
I realise that in my own personal walk with God, I’ve found myself the closest to God in times where His Spirit has brought me conviction. It’s been in these times, more than any other, where He’s drawn me close, where I’ve felt His power, and I’ve experienced His love. The verse for today tells us that repentance is a very good thing for us - it’s a gift from God. Let’s make sure we fully embrace His divine kindness!
Prayer: Father in heaven, thank You for Your kindness in leading me to repentance. When Your Spirit leads, please help me to repent properly, and find more of Your freedom and love. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Peter Brokaar is Director of Ellel Ministries Scotland and has been there together with his wife Liz since 2005. They have 3 kids, all born in Scotland! In his free time he likes reading, cooking, running and surfing. Being at Ellel Scotland has given him the privilege of getting to know God deeper and sharing that joy with many others.
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