Just a Thought: Regret resisted is rebellion. Regret that brings true repentance also brings resolution. David serves as such a good role model for us on many different fronts. We love his humble spirit. We love that he is a man after God’s own heart. We love his leadership in worship through the Psalms. And I love his humanity. That is, as great of a man for God and of God as David was, the Lord still shows us his very human and weak side. David is as famous for his sin as he is for his heart for the Lord. And God does not glorify David’s sin in revealing his story. David attempted to cover up his sin as Psalms fifty-one reveals. But the Lord shows us David didn’t get away with anything and in fact he paid a hefty price in the consequences for his sin. While David was attempting to cover up his sin, he was living with regret. David even confessed that it caused him physical, emotional as well as spiritual pain (Ps.51:3b, 8, 12, 14, 17). He was choosing to live with this until the day the Lord sent a prophet by the name of Nathan to see and confront David. When Nathan shared a convicting story with David and revealed that what David had been seeking to cover up what was now uncovered. David had another choice. Would he continue to live in regret and thereby also continue to rebel even further against the Lord. Or would he allow his regret to turn into true repentance and resolve the issue before the Lord. Thank goodness he chose the latter. David acknowledged, “Then David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”(2 Sam 12:13) In Psalms fifty-one we have David’s confession and plea with God for mercy and forgiveness. David would still suffer the consequences of his sin. But, the forgiveness of the Lord would help him move on in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Sometimes the Lord sends that person into our lives. I call them accountability partners. That just can be honest enough with us to show us what we are doing. Sometimes the Lord uses just the Holy Spirit and His word to reveal it to us. Whatever means God uses, His desire is to resolve the issue that is causing us to live with regret. When we choose to live with regret, rather than repent, we are just piling more rebellion on top of the regret that is already there. But if we will be honest. If, we will confess our sin to the Lord. We may not escape all the consequences of our sin (because sin has consequences). But we can begin to resolve the issue before the Lord and be restored into right fellowship with Him. And, when this happens, He will help you deal with the consequences and the restoration process in the days, weeks, months and years ahead. Don’t hesitate, my friend. Let this message be your Nathan. If you have been living with regret because you are living in and with your sin. Let your regret turn into repentance today! And, be restored to right fellowship with God and be relieved of your regret.
