Regret: A Paradigm Paralysis

You're at the market. Not because of the economy but because it's how you shop, you cruise the perimeter of the store knowing the dangers lurking in each aisle. There's candy, cookies, tasty and sugar laden fruit juices, brownie mixes, chips and dips, soft drinks and frozen desserts waiting for you.

This is how I look at it. I simply don't buy this junk. If it's not in the house, there's no way I can eat it. Within a couple of hours of having put groceries away, I'll wish I had bought at least a bag of chips. Something! Later into the night, I regret I didn't. If I conscientiously replace that thought with a pat on the back for making good decisions, the regret leaves.

There may be a volley of thoughts before having done the right thing wins but regret is gone! Perhaps this is an elementary example but one that works.

Living with worry, guilt and regret is a recipe for compounded illnesses with a grave prognosis. Yes, a very deliberate pun.

It is impossible for me not to look for divine intervention in daily living. It is very likely for me to feel a sense of regret over something but with divine intervention, the feeling doesn't linger. Regret puts us in paradigm paralysis, which overpowers the paradigm shift that must occur to move forward.

As a believer, strength and encouragement are found in knowing, a promise given is a promise kept. Our Lord has promised to take care of us in every possible situation. He used the example of how the lilies of the field toil not for their survival. How the birds of the air fly gracefully without a care in the world. As His children, what more will be done for us if we trust and obey Him.

Simply saying we trust and obey Him is an exercise in futility. We co-create our lives with Him by laying aside destructive traits. These traits are aimed at destroying and preventing us from realizing the good life, if you will. This good life is rightfully ours. He promised. If we do not live freely, the devil knows Who we are likely to blame. Satan gets much pleasure when we turn away from the Lord.

Send regrets when you are unable to accept an invitation. Any regrets you are living with otherwise, send them away. It will be a constant struggle but it can be done.

I believe if things were supposed to be different in our lives, God would have stepped in and made them so. In this sense, we are not co-creators with God. We are students in His classroom. Let's make sure we pass each class. Learn well and share what you learn. Let's enjoy true freedom and liberty every day!

2009 by Avis Ward of AvisWard.com

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