2026 Lenten Season - Day 27 - The Strength to Look Up

We continue the tradition of 40 days of Lent-related devotionals (46 counting the Sundays).
Sharing "Journey to the Cross" by Paul David Tripp.
***************************************************************************

What allows you to humbly and honestly look back is the invitation to look up at the same time.

I wish I could say I asked you, but I didn’t.

I wish I could say I reached for you, but it didn’t happen.

I wish I had thought that I needed help, but my mind was elsewhere.

I wish I had sought your wisdom, but I saw myself as wise.

I wish I had leaned on you, but I thought I was standing up straight.

I wish I had cast myself on your grace, but in the mirror I looked like someone who didn’t need it.

I wish I’d begun each day with you, but I was too busy.

I wish I had ended the night with you, but I was too tired.

I wish I had spent more time in your word, but I had people to see, places to go.

I wish I had looked ahead to a pathway I couldn’t traverse alone, 

but I was too focused on the here and now.

I am older now with more life behind me than in front of me.

I mourn my assessments of strength, 

my appraisals of wisdom,

tagging myself righteous,

my quest for independence.

I regret the moments lost, opportunities gone, dreams now faded.

If it were not for your grace, I would spend my last days in the cloud of despondency, 

beating myself up, hoping to get back what is forever gone.

I would not be able to look up as I look back.

You went to the cross knowing every choice I would make, 

all that your mercy would need to cover.

I can be honest about my choices.

I can confess it all,

and I can rest because your grace is that thorough and your love has that much power.

Through the years, I have learned that to find the strength to look back,

I need the grace to look up.

GOING DEEPER

Reflection Questions

1. What are some of your biggest regrets in life? As you answer this question, do you consider spiritual regrets first, or as an afterthought?

2. Which of the regrets listed do you most resonate with?

3. Write your own “I wish” poem.

Read Acts 3:17–20, and let it refresh your heart as you repent and receive God’s forgiveness.

17 “Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. 18 But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. 19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. 20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.