5 Steps to Freedom from Guilt, Shame, and Regret

Moving from where we are now into the positive, rewarding next stage or fresh beginning God has for us, we first need to acknowledge and realize we have a problem. That can be hard when routines and habits shape our lives, and we take little time to reflect or think.

So, what in the past do you need to leave behind? Let’s talk about the traumatic and difficult situations in our past that can leave us feeling guilty, shamed, regretful, and immobilized.

Over many years of speaking before thousands of women, I know that many of us feel somehow God has nothing more for us. We think He has placed us on a shelf or we’ve committed some sin too large to be forgiven. As Henry David Thoreau once wrote, “The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation…” Well, sadly that includes women as well.

Maybe you are plagued by memories of incidents that may have occurred decades ago yet hold you captive. I realize now, due to the “Me, too” movement, sexual abuse is very common and could be the bondage in your life holding you captive, causing you to be unable to move forward.

I will share something I’ve never shared before with anyone but Reen. As a young naïve teenager, a high school principal made inappropriate sexual advances toward me as well as the pastor who first led me to know Jesus Christ.  I felt fear, confusion, guilt, and shame. “What could I possibly have done to cause this?” I wondered. I had no idea. I had no one to talk with about it because these things were never spoken of in my life. I felt responsible somehow and the enemy of our souls led me down a path of condemnation for decades.

Sadly, we can harbor these feelings and the memories that assault, leaving us defeated and stuck in the past. But I’ve become convinced of the truth that God’s promises offer absolute freedom.

Here is the truth that will set you free if you are a believer in Jesus Christ and trust Him:

1.    You are forgiven the moment you confess any sin, based on God’s promise, “If we [freely] admit that we have sinned and confess our sins, He is faithful and just [true to His own nature and promises], and will cleanse us continually from all unrighteousness [our wrongdoing, everything not in conformity with His will and purpose]” (1 John 1:9 Amplified)

2.   The devil who torments you with these thoughts has no right to do so based on God’s promise, “Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior]. For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and death” (Romans 8:1 Amplified).

3.    Any sin occurring after you believed is still completely forgiven (to restore fellowship with God you confess your sin, and repent by turning away from it) as evidenced by the “prodigal son” who sinned as a son yet was not rejected by his father (Luke 15:11-32), and based on God’s promise, “Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” (Isaiah 1:18 NIV).

4.    You can have victory over these thoughts based on God’s promise, “We are destroying sophisticated arguments and every exalted and proud thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought and purpose captive to the obedience of Christ” (2 Corinthians 10:5 Amplified). The enemy conjures up many arguments against your freedom, but he is a fallen foe. “Submit yourselves, then to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (James 4:7).

5.    Take action to receive your freedom based on God’s promise, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things” (Philippians 4:8).

Please believe me- you can find freedom even if you’ve felt trapped for decades in defeated thinking and pre-occupation with the guilt, shame, and regret. God truly does set the captive free. You CAN leave the past behind.

Next week we will share tips for ways to actually leave crippling thoughts that seek to undermine your success behind as you take every thought captive to Christ.

This is such an exciting topic because you really can find freedom! We know because we’ve experienced it. Please send any questions, thoughts, or ways we can specifically pray for you to linda@yourrefreshedlife.com.

Live Refreshed! Share Your Refreshed Life today!

Blessings,
The Watermans