I’m Done With Regret | Judges 21:1-3

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Our text today is Judges 21:1-3.

Now the men of Israel had sworn at Mizpah, “No one of us shall give his daughter in marriage to Benjamin.” And the people came to Bethel and sat there till evening before God, and they lifted up their voices and wept bitterly. And they said, “O Lord, the God of Israel, why has this happened in Israel, that today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel?”  — Judges 21:1-3

Israel weeps. They mourn the destruction they caused, but their tears are not repentance—they’re regret. They’re not asking, “What did we do wrong?” but “How did this happen?” The difference may seem small, but it’s everything.

Regret is sorrow over consequences. Repentance is sorrow over sin. Israel doesn’t confess their rebellion or seek God’s direction. They simply grieve what they’ve lost, not what they’ve done.

We do the same thing. We cry over the fallout but ignore the cause. We mourn broken marriages, fractured friendships, or spiritual dryness—but we rarely look inward at the pride, anger, or idolatry that caused it.

Here are a few reasons why we avoid dealing with the heart of our sin:

1. Pride. We don’t want to admit we were wrong.
2. Shame. We believe our sin defines us.
3. Fear. We’re scared of what repentance might cost.
4. Control. We still want to manage the situation instead of surrendering it.
5. Comfort. We prefer the illusion of peace over the pain of change.

But regret doesn’t bring freedom—repentance does. Regret keeps you chained to the past, while repentance opens the door to grace. The only way out is through confession, humility, and faith in Jesus.

So say it with me: I’m done with regret. I’m done living in sorrow that never changes me. I’m done replaying my mistakes while ignoring the Savior who redeems them. Jesus didn’t just die for your sin—He died for your shame, your guilt, and every ounce of regret you still carry.

If you’re tired of replaying the pain and ready to be renewed, it’s time to stop asking “why” and start asking “what now, Lord?”

In the comments below, share your step toward repentance—your decision to confess, turn from sin, and trust in the grace of Jesus. He’s not done with you yet. And if today you’re ready to move beyond regret, I want to invite you to take a simple step of faith—type “I’m done with regret” in the comments below as a public declaration. Let that phrase be your line in the sand, your confession that you’re turning from sin and coming home to the grace of Jesus, who died for both your sin and your shame.

ASK THIS:

1. Am I more upset about the consequences of sin or the sin itself?
2. What has regret kept me from fully surrendering to God?
3. Which of the five reasons above do I relate to most?
4. What would real repentance look like for me today?

DO THIS:

• Write down one area where regret has replaced repentance—and confess it to God.
• Say it out loud: I’m done with regret. Then walk in that truth today.

PRAY THIS:

Lord, I’ve spent too long living in regret instead of repentance. Search my heart, expose my sin, and lead me to the freedom that only comes through Jesus. Today I declare, I’m done with regret. Thank You for dying for both my sin and my shame. I surrender it all to You. Amen.

PLAY THIS:

“Because He Lives.”