From this month’s Discipleship Journal

“THE MIND OF MAN PLANS HIS WAYS, BUT THE LORD DIRECTS HIS STEPS.” Proverbs 16:9

In this month’s Discipleship Journal, Paula Rinehart writes on releasing regret - overcoming the questions and doubts from the past and letting God’s sovereignty overtake us. She encourages us to not look at years as if they’ve been wasted (such an evil lie!). As believers in Christ, we have a different way to live: “If we make the journey of life in Christ well, we will eventually come face-to-face with the sovereignty of God.”…

Good news: “The God who spoke the worlds into existence and keeps the stars in place is the GOD who knows you like no one else ever will. He has always loved you. He will love you to the end. His purposes for you are so set that you can rest every minute in the shade of His merciful superintendence over your life.”

Maybe I Won’t Look Back

I’m stuck on a particular incident that happened in a group of acquaintences the other day. It was a great time, the place was beautiful, and they were great people that I’m getting to know, but it was that little comment that’s just stuck in my mind getting me to re-live the scene and figure out if I should have said something, or reacted differently, or offered hope. I don’t like those moments. The thing about those moments is that you WERE there at the time and you COULD have added to that situation, but it’s passed. I think of the lyrics to artist, Stacie Orrico’s song, “Maybe I Won’t Look Back.” Thinking of what I can do now to open up a door for dialogue, or comment, or ask that person a question, it doesn’t help as much as if I had said something there in love. You know? In the future, I’m going to gear up for breaking my pride and fear so I can enter regret-prevention mode. The conditions are going to be pretty universal, and the opportunity is going to be pretty much anywhere I go, but next time I’ll be more ready and willing. See, regret-prevention mode is at least prepared for un-planned situations and somewhat uncomfortable scenarios. Regret-prevention makes sure I don’t change my actions, my thoughts when something unexpected happens. Better to deal with the consequences of speaking in love than quiet wonder.

Refrain to Maybe I Won’t Look Back:

[Bridge]
You can be who you choose to be
But whether you do, or whether you don’t
Depends on your priority
Lord help me to choose wisely

[Chorus]
I’m looking for the peace to find some sleep tonight
‘Cause I’m
Not very proud of the way I have lived today
But if I choose to
Follow Him along the way
Then maybe I won’t look back
Feel like time is gonna pass me by
Then maybe I won’t look back

- Stacie Orrico