Isaiah 48:17, 18
This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go. If only you had paid attention to my commands, your peace would have been like a river, your well-being like the waves of the sea.” (NIV)

This is what the Lord says— your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you what is good for you and leads you along the paths you should follow. Oh, that you had listened to my commands! Then you would have had peace flowing like a gentle river and righteousness rolling over you like waves in the sea.” (NLT)

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Come to think of it, almost all of my regrets are evidence of times when I had to have it my way instead of God’s way. Almost all of my restlessness and irritation has come because I chose to be powerful rather than patient.

Here are several things I have learned in my lifetime so far:

1. I am not God.
2. I am not in charge here.
3. My way is not the best way.
4. God meets me where I am and leads me where I need to go.
5. God always leads me in the right direction.
6. God always provides the peace of his presence when I acknowledge him.
7. Walking with God is like a day at the beach and mountain hike all in one.

Peace and purpose are God’s good gifts to all who learn what God is teaching and who follow where he leads.

We can live with our regrets and “If only’s,” or we can enjoy the peace and gentleness of our kind and loving Father in heaven.

God wants to lead your dance today. He knows all the steps. He will make you look better than you are. You will have more fun. You will share more meaning. You will be filled with delight. In other words, regret is not inevitable.

Pay attention to God, his will, and his ways. This is the way of beauty, wonder, awe, and delight.

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I will live with peace and purpose by following Jesus along the path he has marked out for this day.

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Our Father, I will follow your path. I will choose the goodness you offer. I will live with peace and purpose as I listen to what you instruct and do what you say. Amen.