Surrendering Regret

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Surrendering Regret

“Come to me, all of you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

Two men were having a heavy conversation about the complexities and woes of their lives, with one remarking:

“More is lost with indecision than with wrong decision.”

That was the young man’s response to an elderly man of 88 years old. The senior had just shared his crushing regret of not marrying the love of his life when he wore a younger gent’s clothes. It wasn’t revealed why he side-stepped marrying this lady. However, it was suggested that his indecision (or a reason within his control) had closed the door of opportunity. Unfortunately, his life had been deeply marred by this burdensome regret.

Though the faith of both men are unknown, this advice has holes. It has an aroma of Job’s well-meaning, yet unhelpful friends during his time of intense suffering (Job 16:2). To “roll the dice and see” on a marriage rather than embrace momentary indecision is horrible counsel! It’s the second most important decision you’ll make in your lifetime (behind accepting and following Jesus Christ), and needs to be Spirit-led and without hesitation.

Indecision: A Wise Pause For A Moment

There may be a situation you’re in today where you’re experiencing indecision. The Holy Spirit is speaking in your indecision, desiring to give warning or counsel should you seek Him. However, we’re not called to stay in a place of indecision. It’s a brief pause, with an invitation to search the mind of Christ. To stay undecided for too long without seeking Him becomes a decision- a decision to allow circumstances or other people to dictate the outcome for you. That’s not how God wants us to live.

And this is why we need the wisdom and discernment of the Holy Spirit daily, to allow the Spirit of Jesus Christ to live in and through us, as we surrender all that we have to Him. The mind of Christ will then become your mind.

Wrong Decisions and Regret

A wrong decision can have life-altering consequences, we all can agree. Regardless of faith, everyone wants to avoid making wrong choices.

From time to time, we may think about how our life could have been different if we made other decisions. We need not go to that place nor spend time there. It’s dangerous. It’s where the enemy wants us to spend our time- in regret.

If you’re carrying the crushing burden of regret in any area of your life, you can surrender that load by surrendering yourself at the foot of the cross. Give it to Jesus, and ask that He heal and restore your heart. He lovingly promises:

Though the consequences may stay unchanged from a wrong decision, God can take what’s there, work with it, and create a new blessing for you. He will use that cleared space in your broken heart to grow a garden of fruit- unimaginable fruit and opportunities- fruit that brings glory to Him. However, it’s predicated on surrendering your heart to the Holy Gardener (John 15:1-8).

A Focus On Jesus Crushes Regret 

If you’re a follower of Jesus Christ, no matter the consequences of a decision, you can have His peace and joy. But without total focus on Jesus, one lives a lifetime in regret and sorrow, pain and anguish, guided by what he lost, drowning in his emotions, rather than focusing on the Savior. 

We too can become victims of the emotions that well up inside us. We react according to what our emotions dictate, as opposed to surrendering to Christ. Despite what fleeting circumstances come our way, His peace and joy can reign in and through us. God’s Word says:

The heart is deceitful. Who can know it? (Jeremiah 17:9)

When we reprioritize and make Jesus our everything, we don’t hold onto anything or anyone in this world with a tight grip. We know things will not satisfy, for they will rust and break, and people will disappoint us (Matthew 6:19-21). Despite what happens in this world, you can whole-heartedly depend on Jesus, for He will never leave you nor forsake you (Hebrews 13:5).

But A Need To Have Faith

The quote of one losing more with indecision than wrong decision has a tiny sliver of truth. Taking risks in life are needed or we will gain nothing. A better way to say this is we need to obediently take a step of faith when the Lord calls us, even when we can’t see what’s before us, For we walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).

Questions To Ask Ourselves

As it comes to indecision or making a choice, we need to lean on the wisdom and guidance of God. Is this the right decision according to God’s Word and what He desires for your life? If you don’t know what He wants for your life, He invites you to approach and ask (Hint: He wants you to be surrendered to His Son Jesus Christ, to follow Him and for you to become transformed into His likeness each day, by allowing Him to live His life through you).

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Health

The Oral Microbiome: Keep It Balanced For Overall Health

The oral microbiome significantly impacts total body health, as the mouth is a gateway to the body. A large number of oral microorganisms enter the downstream digestive tract from the mouth through saliva. Studies show that a close relationship with digestive diseases and microbial imbalances can lead to systemic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and Alzheimer's. Therefore, a balanced oral microbiome is crucial for overall health. 

How The Oral Microbiome Affects Health 

• Oral-gut axis:

  The oral and gut microbiomes are closely linked. An imbalance in one can affect the other. Oral bacteria can be transferred to the gut, potentially influencing the gut's microbial community and contributing to systemic issues. 

• Inflammation:

  Oral microbes and the body's immune response are closely connected. An unhealthy oral microbiome can trigger a more severe immune response, and chronic inflammation originating in the mouth is a risk factor for systemic diseases. 

• Bacterial products:

  Bacteria in the mouth produces various byproducts, such as acids and inflammatory compounds, that can directly affect the body. 

Health Conditions Linked To The Oral Microbiome

• Cardiovascular disease:

  The oral microbiome is linked to conditions like atherosclerosis, a key component of coronary heart disease. 

• Diabetes:

  Poor blood sugar control is a risk factor for periodontal disease, and periodontitis is considered the sixth major complication of diabetes. 

• Alzheimer's disease:

  Evidence suggests a potential causal relationship between periodontitis and Alzheimer's disease. 

• Liver diseases:

  Recent studies have found that both gut microbiota and the imbalance of oral microbiota are closely related to liver disease.

• Pancreatic cancer:

  A close relationship exists between the imbalance of oral microbiota and the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer.

• Respiratory infections:

  Poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of respiratory infections like pneumonia, especially in the elderly, by allowing harmful bacteria to be aspirated into the lungs. 

• Adverse pregnancy outcomes:

  An unhealthy oral microbiome has been associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. 

Maintaining A Healthy Oral Microbiome

Good Oral Hygiene: Daily brushing and flossing help prevent the overgrowth of harmful bacteria and keep the oral microbiome in a healthier state. 

Balanced Diet:  Limiting frequent sugar intake can prevent the growth of acid-producing bacteria that contribute to tooth decay. 

Probiotics and Prebiotics

These can be used to help modify the oral microbiome and promote a more beneficial balance.

• Fermented foods: Yogurt (plain, unsweetened), kefir, kimchi, and sauerkraut contain live, beneficial bacteria to help maintain a healthy balance. 

• High-fiber foods: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes act as prebiotics, feeding the good bacteria in your mouth. 

• Garlic and onions: These contain compounds that may help reduce harmful bacteria. 

Nutrient-Dense Foods

 ❊ Leafy greens: Spinach, kale, and other greens are rich in calcium, folic acid, and other vitamins that support gum and bone health. 

 ❊ Crunchy fruits and vegetables: Apples, carrots, and celery can stimulate gums and help clear food particles. 

 ❊ Nuts and seeds: They are good sources of calcium, magnesium, and healthy fats, which support oral health. 

 ❊ Fatty fish: Salmon and other fatty fish are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin D, which help reduce inflammation. 

 ❊ Dairy: Milk, cheese, and yogurt are high in calcium and phosphates, which help strengthen teeth and restore protective minerals in saliva. 

Other Beneficial Choices

 ❊ Green and black teas: These contain polyphenols that have antimicrobial properties and may help fight plaque formation. 

 ❊ Water: Drinking water helps wash away food particles and protect teeth from acid attacks. 

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_{†All health information in the articles is exclusively gathered from clinical/medical resources that have been industry vetted, with no conflict of interest in the information they present/publish.} 

_{*Holy Nutrition does not diagnose, treat, or give medical advice. Information provided is not medical advice and should not be relied upon for diagnosis or treatment. Consult with a healthcare provider or medical practitioner for any health concerns, questions, or before making any decisions related to your health. Individual health conditions and needs may vary, and therefore, professional medical advice is essential for personalized guidance. Holy Nutrition is not responsible for any harm or damage resulting from the user's reliance on the information contained in the articles.}