True Freedom: Finding Healing from Regret This 4th of July

Audio By Carbonatix

“I wish I hadn’t done that…”

Those were the first words out of my son Casey’s mouth as he limped toward me, holding his foot and wincing. It was July, years ago, and he’d just tried a front flip at gymnastics camp—without a coach’s help. Casey isn’t a trained gymnast. He’s a daredevil with a big heart and a bold streak. And unfortunately, his toe paid the price.

The x-ray showed it clearly—his pinky toe was bent in two. With summer full of camps, pool days, and family trips, his face fell. “What about summer?” he asked. It was hard to see him in pain, and even harder to see him grapple with regret.

But the truth is, we all belong to the “I Wish I Hadn’t Done That” Club.

Regret can show up in all shapes and sizes:

• The sharp sting of past sin you wish you could erase.
• The ache of missed opportunities.
• The guilt of choosing the wrong path, even when you knew better.

I’ve been there, too. One of my biggest regrets was having an abortion when I was 15. The pain and shame of that decision haunted me for years. I walked with a spiritual limp, hiding behind a smile while my heart ached.

But then Jesus met me in that broken place. And He offered me something greater than temporary relief—He offered me freedom.

Real Freedom Isn’t Found in Fireworks—It’s Found in Christ

As we celebrate Independence Day, we wave flags and light sparklers in honor of the freedoms we enjoy in our country. But there’s a deeper freedom available to every one of us—not just once a year, but forever.

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” —John 8:36 (NIV)

The freedom Jesus gives isn’t about escaping trouble or pretending mistakes didn’t happen. It’s about being fully known, fully forgiven, and fully free.

3 Ways to Find Freedom in Christ Today

1. Confess and Surrender Your Regrets to God

You don’t need to carry the burden of guilt any longer. Whatever weighs you down—lay it at the feet of Jesus.

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” —1 John 1:9 (NKJV)

2. Accept God’s Forgiveness—and Walk in It

Stop rehearsing your past failures. Instead, believe that Jesus’ death on the cross was enough for you. You don’t have to earn forgiveness. Just receive it.

“Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” —Romans 8:1 (NIV)

3. Share Your Story and Let Your Healing Help Others

When you open up about where you’ve been—and what God has done—you remind others that they’re not alone. Your honesty is someone else’s hope.

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony…” —Revelation 12:11 (NIV)

A Final Word for the “I Wish I Hadn’t Done That” Club

You might still be limping, but you don’t have to stay broken.

Today, this Independence Day, let it mark more than just fireworks and freedom from tyranny. Let it mark your spiritual freedom—a day of release from regret, shame, and hiding. Let today be the day you say:

“I am free in Christ. My past does not define me. My Savior does.”

A Prayer for Freedom

Jesus,
Thank You for Your love that sees every part of me—and still invites me in. Thank You for Your forgiveness and grace. I surrender my regrets and mistakes to You today. Help me walk in the freedom You’ve already given me. Heal the broken places in my heart. Help me share my story with others who need to know that freedom is possible.
In Your powerful name, Amen.