​Scripture Reading: Philippians 3:12-16 NASB95
Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. [13] Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, [14] I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. [15] Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you; [16] however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

Have you ever felt that along the journey of life you may have taken a wrong turn?  Most people feel that way because most of us have made some terrible—awful—crazy—foolish—and certainly, ignorant life choices along the way.  We all make decisions, and I have personally discovered (often the hard way) that not all decisions are equal.  Some of our choices seem to work out while others fall short of our expectations.  (Full Disclosure: I had a few epic failures!)

If we ponder our past with through the lens of knowing the results of our choices; it can lead to toxic regret.  We start “what if-ing” our lives as we scrutinize the outcome of what has brought us to where we are.  “If I only would have zigged when I zagged.”  “Wow,” that’s really helpful!?  If I had married a different person, I would have been happier.  If I had just taken that job, I would have been more successful.  If I had only bought Dell stock when I moved to Texas, I would have been rich. 
If only… The possibilities of the different outcomes of regret are simply amazing…at least in my imaginary world.  “I could have been somebody!” 

If you are reading this—you are still alive and if you are “in” Christ you have a future beyond imagination.  I have four thoughts concerning regret: 1) Regret is futile, because I cannot change my past.  2) Regret is dangerous, because it threatens my future happiness with the burden of past failures.  3) Many of my regrets are centered around events that I had no control over.  4) Regret is a waste of my “now” time.  I’m alive now—in this moment—I’m still on the journey through life.  Two questions to consider: “Have I learned from the past?”  “Can I leave the regrets behind?  Armed with hope for the future, I put my trust in God; I grasp the truth that it is time to forget the failures of the past and press on for the prize that is before me.  

Questions to Consider:

1. Why do people struggle with leaving the past behind?
2. What are the promises of God that should help us to remain looking towards the future with hope?
3. What is the ultimate goal (prize) that we are pressing towards?