Freedom From Regret
Freedom comes when we finally set down the burden of regret.”
Devotional Credit: Abide Above by Miles Stanford
Photo Credit: Unsplash
The heart of today’s devotional reminds me of how often we live with a burden that God has already lifted. Miles Stanford explains that our history in Adam ended at the Cross. Yet, many believers keep revisiting their past failures, carrying guilt and remorse as if they still belong to that old life. The truth is that the man or woman in Jesus does not live under the shadow of Adam anymore. We are hidden in the risen Lord, new creations with His past as our past, and His life as our life.
When we forget this, regret corrodes us. We begin to think too much about ourselves and too little about the One who has already made us accepted before the Father. But when our gaze shifts from self to Jesus, everything changes. His presence brings peace, His acceptance silences the voice of condemnation, and His indwelling life keeps us from turning inward in regret.
Stanford points out that this is not merely a theological position, but a present reality. We died with Jesus, were buried with Him, rose with Him, and even now are seated with Him in heavenly places. To live otherwise is to live beneath the privilege of our new birth. To rest in this reality is to discover a life filled with joy and peace, free from the burden of self-condemnation.
This is a truth to rest in with gratitude. Regret belongs to the old life. Peace belongs to the new. And as we trust the indwelling Spirit to make this real in us, our focus shifts upward, where Jesus is at the Father’s right hand.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
My child, I remind you that you are no longer in Adam. Your old self was crucified with Jesus, so that the body of sin might be brought to nothing. You have died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. You share in His cross, His death, His burial, His resurrection, and His ascension. There is therefore now no condemnation for you, because you are in Christ Jesus.
I do not call you to rehearse your regrets. I call you to walk in the peace that has already been secured. Fix your heart on Me, not on your past. Lift your eyes to where Christ is seated, and remember that you are seated with Him. You are My beloved, accepted in the Beloved, and nothing can separate you from My love.
Live from this place of union, rejoicing in the freedom that is already yours. Your past is finished, your present is secure, and your future is glorious. Rest in Me, for I delight to be your peace.
Scripture References: Romans 5:1, Romans 6:4–6, Colossians 3:3, Ephesians 2:6, Romans 8:1, Ephesians 1:6, Romans 8:38–39
Real-Life Analogy
Carrying regret is like wearing a backpack filled with bricks long after you’ve reached your destination. The load digs into your shoulders and slows every step, even though there is no reason to bear it anymore. You have already arrived, and the burden has no purpose but to weigh you down.
In daily life, this truth can be applied when the memory of past failure rises to accuse you. Instead of rehearsing the regret, pause and thank the Lord that you are no longer defined by that past. Quietly affirm in your heart, “Lord, I trust You to live Your life through me in this moment, free from regret and full of Your peace.” This surrender allows His indwelling Spirit to carry you forward with joy.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, I thank You that my old life ended at the Cross and that in Jesus I share His death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Thank You that regret no longer has a place in me, because I am accepted in the Beloved. I rest in the peace that comes from being hidden with Christ in You. Today I walk forward with joy, confident that my past is gone, my present is secure, and my future is radiant in Your presence.