Ending The Year Without Regret Series

ENDING THE YEAR WITHOUT REGRET

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Psalm 90:12

Key Verse: “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12)

Supporting Texts: Philippians 3:13-14; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Lamentations 3:22-23; Proverbs 4:18; Romans 8:28

Description: This message reveals how believers can conclude the year with peace, gratitude, and confidence by walking in wisdom, obedience, and divine alignment.

INTRODUCTION:

As the year draws to a close, reflection becomes inevitable. Many people look back with mixed emotions, gratitude for victories and sorrow for missed opportunities. However, God’s desire is that His children end every season without regret, anchored in His mercy and guided by His wisdom.

Regret often stems from wasted time, delayed obedience, broken relationships, or missed divine instructions. Yet, Scripture assures us that God’s mercy renews daily and His grace redeems time lost when we align ourselves with His will.

This message calls believers to end the year with clarity, humility, and faith, trusting that God has ordered their steps and that every experience pleasant or painful, has contributed to divine purpose.

1. RECOGNISING GOD’S MERCY THROUGHOUT THE YEAR

Ending without regret begins with acknowledging God’s sustaining mercy in every moment of the year.

a) God preserved your life (Lamentations 3:22-23). Divine mercy kept you through dangers seen and unseen.

b) God provided daily strength (Isaiah 46:4). His grace carried you through moments of weakness.

c) God remained faithful despite failures (2 Timothy 2:13). Even when you stumbled, His faithfulness never failed.

d) God ordered your steps (Proverbs 16:9). Every turn of the year was under divine supervision.

Biblical Example: David acknowledged God’s mercy despite his failures and found restoration and peace (Psalm 51; Psalm 103:1-5).

2. LETTING GO OF MISSED OPPORTUNITIES AND FAILURES

Freedom from regret requires releasing the past and embracing God’s redemptive grace.

a) God commands forward focus (Philippians 3:13-14). Looking back excessively hinders progress.

b) God redeems lost time (Joel 2:25). He restores years that seem wasted.

c) God forgives genuinely repented sin (1 John 1:9). Confession brings cleansing, not condemnation.

d) God turns mistakes into lessons (Romans 8:28). Nothing is wasted in God’s hands.

Biblical Example: Peter moved beyond denial and became a pillar of the early church through God’s restoring grace (John 21:15-19).

3. FINISHING THE YEAR IN OBEDIENCE AND GRATITUDE

A regret-free ending flows from obedience to God and a heart of thanksgiving.

a) Obedience secures peace (Isaiah 1:19). Willing obedience attracts divine favour.

b) Gratitude reshapes perspective (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Thankfulness shifts focus from lack to blessing.

c) Worship closes seasons well (Psalm 92:1-2). Praise honours God for completed journeys.

d) Humility invites future grace (James 4:6). God lifts those who acknowledge His help.

Biblical Example: Jesus gave thanks before the miracle multiplied, showing the power of gratitude (John 6:11).

4. PREPARING WISELY FOR THE COMING YEAR

Ending well positions believers for a better beginning in the next season.

a) Wisdom prepares the heart (Proverbs 4:7). Divine insight directs future decisions.

b) Vision clarifies direction (Habakkuk 2:2). Written vision sustains focus.

c) Prayer commits the future to God (Proverbs 3:5-6). Trusting God ensures proper guidance.

d) Hope anchors expectations (Romans 15:13). God fills the future with peace and joy.

Biblical Example: Joseph prepared wisely during abundance and escaped regret during famine (Genesis 41:33-36).

CONCLUSION:

Ending the year without regret is not about perfection but about alignment with God’s mercy, wisdom, and purpose. When we recognise His faithfulness, release the past, walk in obedience, and prepare prayerfully for the future, peace replaces regret.

As this year closes, choose gratitude over grief and faith over fear. By God’s grace, you will step into the next season fulfilled, hopeful, and confident that your life is firmly held in God’s hands.

PRAYER POINTS:

1. Father, thank You for preserving me throughout this year.

2. Lord, forgive me for every missed instruction and delay.

3. Father, heal my heart from every regret and disappointment.

4. Lord, help me release the past completely.

5. Father, restore every opportunity I seem to have lost.

6. Lord, give me wisdom to number my days rightly.

7. Father, help me end this year with peace and gratitude.

8. Lord, prepare my heart for the coming year.

9. Father, let my future be brighter than my past.

10. Lord, help me walk confidently into the next season.