I recently was talking with a dear friend who has been dealing with the loss of a loved one and the reality of how she was dealing with grief. It had me thinking about how each of us from time to time deal with grief and also regret. You might ask, “why regret?” Because I believe grief and regret at times work together.

Let’s give a simple definition of grief and regret. Grief comes from a loss you experienced. Regret comes from a mistake you had control of. In both cases, the opportunity for change is gone. The truth is if you can change it, change it. If you can’t change it, move past it. There are people you and I know that hit the “pause” button on life because of grief and regret. They are frozen to move forward. Some blame themselves. Some blame others. They even blame God.

Let me help you with some ways I believe can help you overcome grief and regret.

Set A Date For Moving On

Samuel grieved over Saul’s rejection as king. Finally, God asked him, ” How long will you grieve over Saul?” God’s question shook Samuel out of his ‘frozen condition.’ 

Maybe God is asking you,” How long will you grieve over a lost job? How long will you stay frozen in regret or grief when I’m calling you to move forward?” The Bible says, “Now is the acceptable time.”(2Cor.6:2)

Refill Your Empty Soul.

Grief and regret can drain the life and joy out of you. You become dry, empty, frozen. You are mentally fatigued because you have replayed the situation over hundreds of times in your mind.

“FILL YOUR CUP.” After David walked through the valley of the shadow of death he then said “My cup runs over.” Ask the Holy Spirit to anoint your head with fresh oil. Shake off the ashes of the past. He will give you the “oil of joy for mourning.”

Years ago I read a statement by Dr. James Richards, he stated, “Pain is inevitable, suffering is optional.”  We love you and are praying for you today as you make the decision to move forward with the help of the Holy Spirit!