The Joy of the Journey No Regrets

The Joy of the Journey
No Regrets

Regret is one of the heaviest burdens a person can carry. Whether it is missed opportunities, broken relationships, or choices made outside of God’s will, regret has a way of sticking around in our hearts and shaping our outlook on life. Yet Scripture shows us a better way: through Christ, we can live lives of purpose, peace, and confidence—free from the weight of regret.

The first key to living without regrets is to remember that our lives are short and should be lived with eternity in mind. James writes, “Yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes” (James 4:14). Regret often comes from wasting time on things that have no eternal value. When we fix our eyes on Christ and live each day as though it could be our last, we align our hearts with what truly matters. Paul encourages us in Ephesians 5:15-16: “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” Living wisely, redeeming the time, and prioritizing God’s kingdom keep us from looking back in sorrow over wasted years.

A second principle for avoiding regret is to walk in obedience to God’s Word. Many regrets stem from disobedience—choosing sin instead of righteousness. Jesus said in John 14:15, “If you love me, you will keep my commandments.” Obedience is not about legalism; it is about love-driven devotion that brings joy and peace. Psalm 119:105 reminds us, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” When we allow God’s Word to guide us, our steps are steady, and our decisions are rooted in His wisdom. Living this way spares us the pain of choices made in darkness and ensures that our lives bring glory to Him.

One of the most significant sources of regret is broken relationships—harsh words spoken, bitterness in our hearts, or an unwillingness to forgive. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:14–15, “For if you forgive others their trespass I unwillingness to forgivees, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” Choosing forgiveness allows us to live free from bitterness and regret. Paul echoes this in Colossians 3:13: “As the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” A life marked by forgiveness leaves no room for regretful grudges; instead, it reflects the heart of Christ. When we truly understand this, it brings freedom to our hearts and minds.

Many people look back on life with regret, not because of what they did, but because of what they failed to do. I have heard it said all my life that graveyards are full of unreached dreams because someone was afraid to take a chance or a risk. Opportunities to share Christ, to love others deeply, or to step into God’s calling often go unseized out of fear or hesitation. Paul urges Timothy in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” Paul is encouraging Timothy and us to live bold lives. Living boldly means stepping out in faith, even when it feels uncomfortable. It means speaking truth in love, serving sacrificially, and refusing to let fear dictate our choices. As Hebrews 10:39 reminds us, “But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who have faith and preserve their souls.”

To sum things up, living life without regrets does not mean perfection, nor does it mean we will never stumble. Instead, it means living with eternal purpose, daily obedience, forgiving hearts, and courageous faith. When we do, we can echo Paul’s words at the end of his journey: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2 Timothy 4:7).

A life lived this way—centered on Christ and His mission—leaves no room for regret, only for joy in knowing we have fulfilled God’s calling with faithfulness.