How do I deal with the consequences of poor or wrong decisions that I made in the past?

Most of us can identify with this question and can look back on a decision we made in the past that we regret.

The apostle Paul had the following to say about it:

“…one thing I do [it is my one aspiration]: forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead…”

Philippians 3:13

Another way of saying “to forget what lies behind…” is to say “to ignore…”. To forgive oneself is easier said than done, but if the Word says one can, it is possible. If one does not free oneself from an incident, it will steal one’s peace and eventually one will experience remorse. 

Paul acted against the Gospel of Christ when he persecuted and killed Christians. However, he did not allow this foolishness to stop his ministry – he continued to be effective in the kingdom of God. He understood the principle of forgiveness and forgave himself. Today we attribute two-thirds of the New Testament to him.

“Come now, and let us reason together, says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be like wool.”

Isaiah 1:18

“…You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea.”

Micah 7:19

In the above two scriptures, God lays down the principle of the finality of His forgiveness. He forgives totally and with finality. That is how I must forgive myself for the things of the past for which I blame myself. It is in the past, and I cannot change it. It is done! I must not allow satan to torment me. Satan wants to derail me and rob me of my joy and peace.

How am I supposed to deal with remorse?

1. I acknowledge that it happened.
2. I thank God for His forgiveness.
3. I forgive myself.
4. I decide to renew my thoughts about it.
5. I fill my thoughts with His Word.

“You will guard him and keep him in perfect and constant peace whose mind [both its inclination and its character] is stayed on You…”

Isaiah 26:3

God desires that we will have perfect peace. He gives it to everybody who puts their trust in Him.

“…in a humble (gentle, modest) spirit receive and welcome the Word which implanted and rooted [in your hearts] contains the power to save your souls.”

James 1:2

The Word of God can save our souls, in other words, our emotions, our wills and our thoughts. Therefore, it changes our remorse into complete peace. Pray about this. Ask Him to change your heart and heal the hurt of the past. Do not allow it to steal one more day of your life.

Conclusion

So if the Son liberates you [makes you free men], then you are really and unquestionably free.

John 8:36

Live in His freedom and peace. He paid for it with His life.

All scripture references are from the Amplified Bible Classic Edition unless otherwise stated.