CLOSING THE YEAR WITHOUT REGRET
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Ephesians 5:15-17
Key Verse:
“See then that ye walk circumspectly, not as fools, but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil.” (Ephesians 5:15-16)
Supporting Texts: Psalm 90:12; Philippians 3:13-14; Ecclesiastes 7:8; Luke 19:41-44; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27
Description:
A timely call to intentional reflection, repentance, and wise action so believers can end the year fulfilled, aligned, and pleasing to God.
INTRODUCTION
As the year draws to a close, God invites believers into a sacred moment of reflection and spiritual accounting. The end of a year is not merely a change of dates but a divine opportunity to examine how time, opportunities, and responsibilities have been stewarded. Scripture consistently teaches that time is a gift from God and that accountability accompanies every season entrusted to us.
Many people rush into a new year carrying unresolved regrets from the previous one: missed opportunities, neglected callings, broken relationships, and delayed obedience. Regret often arises not from lack of potential but from lack of intentionality and spiritual discernment. God’s desire is that His children finish seasons strong, not sorrowful.
This message is therefore a prophetic and pastoral call to wisdom. It teaches how to end the year deliberately, redeem remaining moments, align with God’s will, and step forward without the burden of regret, guilt, or wasted grace.
1. REGRET IS A PRODUCT OF UNREDEEMED TIME
Regret grows where time is mismanaged, opportunities are ignored, and divine instructions are delayed.
God expects believers to be conscious and purposeful in how they live and use every season.
a) Time Is a Divine Trust (Psalm 90:12)
God gives time as a stewardship, and wisdom is required to number our days and invest them meaningfully.
b) Careless Living Produces Regret (Ephesians 5:15)
Walking carelessly leads to wasted moments that later become sources of sorrow.
c) Opportunities Are Seasonal (Ecclesiastes 3:1)
Every opportunity has a timing, and failure to act within that window often results in regret.
d) Delay Is Dangerous (Proverbs 27:1)
Presuming on tomorrow can cause today’s responsibilities to be neglected.
Biblical Example:
Esau despised his birthright and later sought it with tears but could not recover it (Hebrews 12:16-17).
2. SELF-EXAMINATION IS NECESSARY BEFORE THE YEAR ENDS
Closing the year well requires honest spiritual evaluation.
God values reflection because it leads to repentance, correction, and growth.
a) God Calls for Spiritual Accounting (2 Corinthians 13:5)
Believers are instructed to examine themselves to ensure they are aligned with God’s truth.
b) Reflection Prevents Repetition of Errors (Lamentations 3:40)
Searching and testing our ways helps prevent repeating mistakes in future seasons.
c) Truthful Evaluation Attracts Grace (Psalm 51:6)
God delights in truth within the inward parts and responds with mercy.
d) Correction Is a Sign of Love (Hebrews 12:11)
God’s correction may be painful momentarily but produces lasting peace and righteousness.
Biblical Example:
The prodigal son came to himself, reflected on his condition, and returned to the father for restoration (Luke 15:17-20).
3. REPENTANCE AND REALIGNMENT REMOVE REGRET
Regret loses its power when met with genuine repentance and alignment with God’s will.
God’s mercy makes restoration possible even at the close of a season.
a) God Responds to Sincere Repentance (1 John 1:9)
Confession brings forgiveness and cleansing, removing guilt and shame.
b) Repentance Restores Fellowship (Isaiah 1:18)
God invites His people to reason with Him and be restored regardless of past failures.
c) Realignment Requires Obedience (James 1:22)
Hearing God’s Word without action keeps regret alive, but obedience brings freedom.
d) God Can Restore Lost Time (Joel 2:25)
Divine restoration can redeem years that seemed wasted through sin or delay.
Biblical Example:
David repented sincerely after his failure, and God restored his fellowship and purpose (Psalm 51).
4. FINISHING STRONG SECURES A REGRET-FREE TRANSITION
How a season ends often determines how the next one begins.
God honours those who finish well with clarity, peace, and renewed strength.
a) Endings Matter to God (Ecclesiastes 7:8)
Scripture teaches that the end of a matter is better than its beginning when handled rightly.
b) Focus Prevents Distraction (Philippians 3:13–14)
Letting go of what lies behind allows believers to press forward effectively.
c) Discipline Sustains Momentum (1 Corinthians 9:24-27)
Spiritual discipline keeps believers aligned and focused until the finish line.
d) Faith Prepares for the Next Season (Hebrews 11:6)
Trusting God at the close of the year positions believers for divine advancement.
Biblical Example:
Paul testified that he finished his race and kept the faith, earning divine approval (2 Timothy 4:7-8).
CONCLUSION
God never intended His children to close seasons burdened with regret, guilt, or disappointment. Through wisdom, reflection, repentance, and obedience, every believer can finish the year fulfilled and at peace with God. The remaining days of the year are still valuable and must not be wasted.
As this year comes to an end, God calls you to redeem the time, realign your heart, and finish strong. A regret-free ending creates a powerful foundation for a purposeful and victorious new beginning.
PRAYER POINTS
1. Father, grant me wisdom to redeem the remaining days of this year.
2. Lord, reveal any area where I need repentance and correction.
3. Cleanse my heart from regret, guilt, and spiritual negligence.
4. Help me to finish this year strong and aligned with Your will.
5. Restore every opportunity I may have wasted through ignorance or delay.
6. Give me grace to let go of past failures and disappointments.
7. Renew my spiritual discipline and focus.
8. Let my obedience bring joy to Your heart.
9. Position me correctly for the coming year.
10. Let my life close this year with thanksgiving and praise.
