One Thing I’ve Never Regretted

Throughout my life, I have hoped in various people, possessions, and passions, which led to immense amounts of regret. It wasn’t until the summer of 2005 my hope was placed in Jesus. Even after transferring my trust to Him, I found myself still vainly pursuing the pleasures of this world, racking up additional regrets. In each new circumstance of life, and moment by moment, I am faced with the decision to trust in God or trust in an idol. As a mother, the struggle is present daily.

Should I trust in:

·         myself

·         my emotions

·         my fears

·         friendships

·         this mom

·         that doctor

·         the newest book I’m reading

·         marriage

·         motherhood

·         the past

·         the present

·         the future

·         control

·         a clean home

·         opinions others hold about me

·         our bank account

·         health

·         my (currently nonexistent) career

I second, and then triple, guess every decision I make as a mom, terrified that I’m going to ruin my little guy in some way. I endlessly compare myself to other moms and my baby to other babies. I am ragged after running after the impossible to reach standard I’ve raised in my mind. Letting my trust terminate on anything in the list above always disappoints or leads to despair because those things cannot sustain me, especially not during seasons of suffering. When I place my hope in the things of this world, whether it takes minutes or months, I will say, “I wish I had not trusted in ______________. I wish I had hoped in God.”

My heart has been heavy the past few days after receiving news of a local family enduring unimaginable grief. Their current sorrow has reminded me to look to my Rock and my Refuge.

In times of tragedy, triumph, or tedious monotony, I’ve never regretted hoping in God. The phrase, “It would have been better if I had not hoped in God,” is not one I have uttered. When I hope in Him, I am always humbly able to say, “I do not regret hoping in the One who is always faithful and who holds my life in His hands. I do not regret trusting the Potter, for I am His clay.” I believe He will bring beauty from brokenness and a new song for my heart to sing.  

For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge is God. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us.

Psalm 62:5-8

Though our God can seem far away at times, the truth is He’s a refuge for His people. We can hope in Him, and we won’t regret it.