ByHave you ever experienced regret after seeing a bad result of something you’ve done that you thought would end well? That is remorse. There are a lot of uncertainties in life. Things happen in several parts of the world now and then. And no person is shielded from encountering problems. But as Christians, what should we do? Should we grieve and worry as worldly people do? Or should we handle remorse wisely in the joy of the Lord? The latter is better than the former.
Judas Iscariot is the first person in the New Testament that committed suicide. He thought betraying Jesus was the end of it all. But upon seeing His master condemned, this man regretted betraying Jesus. What amazes me is that he had the wisdom to return the thirty pieces of silver he obtained for betraying Jesus but never thought of seeing fellow believers to restore him from his fault. So he ended up hanging himself (Matthew 27:3-5).
Of late, similar things continue to happen. Many people wear smiles all over their faces each day but walk with frowning issues to deal with known just to them. Dr Paul Enenche once said, “Behind every smiling face is a frowning issue.” So don’t let someone’s smiles deceive you.
Today, I want to teach you how to handle remorse as a child of God amid life issues.
Behind every smiling face is a frowning issue.
Dr Paul Enenche
1. Address your problem in prayer
In James 5:13, Apostle James tells us that the one who gets into trouble must pray. He didn’t say, “worry about your issue.” No.
Prayer nullifies our tendency to suffer mentally due to regrets. Why? Because God fills your heart and mind with His peace when you talk to him about your issues (Philippians 4:6-7).
If there’s an issue before you, don’t just read this and skip practising it. Pause the read and start praying to God about your problem. He’ll give you comfort and a solution to it.
2. Speak to the right people
Secondly, to handle remorse, speak to the right people, preferably the brethren in Christ. Why? Because they are people who’re like-minded as you are to listen to you and suggest solutions.
Nothing is too hard for the Lord.
I understand that others aren’t in your shoes, so they can’t feel the pain you’re currently enduring. However, the words of a like-minded Christian are powerful to edify and encourage you. Choose to listen to a sermon podcast if you can’t speak to anybody at the moment. Don’t sit idle while the devil keeps bombarding you with suicidal and evil thoughts. However, you can also contact a friend in the Lord to help you to take your problem to God in prayer. Nothing is too hard for the Lord.
3. Know that the effects of offences are temporary
According to Jesus in Matthew 24:35, everything earthly is temporary. It’s only the Word of God that will not pass away. No matter the regret you’re enduring today, it’s temporary. Yes, sometimes the effects of your faults may last long (like having a baby out of wedlock), but God can give you beauty for ashes. He knows how to convert your flaw to His advantage. It could be that God will use that unplanned child for generational impact in years to come. Be like Rebekah, who sought the Lord for the destinies of her children while they were in her womb. Don’t just act out of pressure or anxiety. Pray.
If you know the future glory attached to the situation you’re facing after going through it successfully, you’ll not rush to do anything evil to end your struggle. Journeying through the process may be uncomfortable, but there’s joy in the end. Hope in the Lord, and never give up.
