Hope for the Regretful

“Fools, because of their transgression, and because of their iniquities, were afflicted” (Psalm 107:17).

According to the dictionary, a fool is someone who lacks judgment or good sense — one who makes silly mistakes. He does his own thing without thinking of the consequences.

What could be more foolish and unthinkable than indulging in sexual activity with some unknown person? The whole world knows that sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are an international problem, yet people all over the world are still contracting them. People simply refuse to be alarmed. And now many are suffering the consequences of their absolutely irrational acts.

A growing number of Christians are paying a high price for past acts of foolishness. Some are sinking into a financial hole because of foolish spending. Others are locked in a terrible marriage because they rushed into it recklessly.

You may be living in regret of some sort, but I want to reassure you that you do not have to live without hope! Don’t give up! God has given you his Word that he does not walk out on fools. “Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. He sent His word and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions” (Psalm 107:19-20).

The Lord knows there are things we cannot change, words we’ve spoken that we cannot take back. Yet he is not asking us to do penance or make any promises. All he asks is that we cry out to him in our desperation and he will heal, prolong life, and provide supernatural grace.

Be encouraged! God may send someone to you with his Word or perhaps your pastor will deliver a message designed just for you. The Holy Spirit may direct you to a particular healing passage in your daily Bible reading. But you can be assured that when you cry out to God, he will provide a way out.