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Relearning how to live is a maze in itself, but one maze we can avoid: regrets. Regrets take us into a maze of self-recrimination, a chilly place, unworthy of God’s beloved daughters. Our better place is with feet planted on the Rock that is higher than we, viewing from a vantage point which carries no condemnation.

What regret(s) do you carry? I have two decisions that I made with a good heart, but they have come to mind too often. They rest with Christ now and are of no importance to my husband whatsoever.

God has full view of the maze in which we find ourselves as we navigate with only the compass of God’s abiding presence, direction, and the wise counsel of trusted others. Many a time in new circumstances, such as becoming a new parent, landing a new job, moving into a new home, etc., we could look at those opportunities as offering promise.

But where is the promise in this journey, we may wonder—beyond the change it forces?

One truth, often missed by those who love us, is the future as we knew it has been erased. The most natural thing in the world is to replay the lives we shared with our husbands. There isn’t a defined and clear future before us so, by default, grieving takes us back into ourselves and our memories. Hiding in there are some “regret mazes” we need not travel through.

In my last devotional, I shared examples of unhelpful thoughts and how to counter them. If you missed it in April, it’s available here.

Our personalities process unwanted change differently. We need to be kind to ourselves, which I believe would be commended from heaven! Being severed from our husbands, why heap on more pain! We can say, “NO,” to self-recriminations. If it continues to come forward though, confession to God and forgiving yourself may be required. Then stand against it as I am.

Regret is a nonsensical burden, because our husbands are beyond the issue. I wonder if God thinks, “Why do you regret that you did this or didn’t do that? Did your husband do everything he should have done or not done? NO.”

Christ came to give us clean slates by His spilled blood as we place our sins and regrets with Him.

In all their suffering He also suffered, and He personally rescued them. In His love and mercy, He redeemed them. He lifted them up and carried them through all the years.
Is. 69:3 (NLT)

To know that God in His mercy carried His people shows God’s character and encourages me! If He carried the Jews who didn’t know how their Messiah would appear, His faithfulness will be no less to you or I who do!

Our personalities have strengths and weaknesses, but we are all malleable emotionally and mentally in different ways, so let that something be solid and unchangeable. Here are some of those:

• God’s character
• God’s Word
• God’s purposes for good
• God’s promises

(Heb. 13:8; 1 Pet. 1:25; Jer. 29:11; Heb. 6:13)

There is a Rock that is higher than we, tall as any of us might be!

There is a Rock so secure and strong that time and the elements effect it not!

Christ is OUR Rock, a place for time and eternity.

Indeed, our home!

Father, Most High and wise who send us Jesus as Our Forever Rock. On You we clench when there seems to be a tornado all around, when direction is moving before our eyes, when life is full of questions. Thank You, Jesus, Our Forever Rock and Savior. We love You. Amen.