How to Live With Zero Regrets
We only get one life—and it’s easy to waste it chasing things that don’t matter. In today’s devotion, we’ll hear what Jesus and hospice patients have in common when it comes to living a life you won’t regret.
We only get one life—and it’s easy to waste it chasing things that don’t matter. In today’s devotion, we’ll hear what Jesus and hospice patients have in common when it comes to living a life you won’t regret.
What would you do differently if you knew your time was almost up?
That’s the question one palliative care nurse asked her dying patients—and what they shared is a wake-up call for the rest of us. Jesus told a story in Luke 12 about a man who had it all—except what mattered most. Let’s talk about how you can live a life of peace, not regret.
What would you do differently if you knew your time was almost up?
That’s the question one palliative care nurse asked her dying patients—and what they shared is a wake-up call for the rest of us. Jesus told a story in Luke 12 about a man who had it all—except what mattered most. Let’s talk about how you can live a life of peace, not regret.
BY THE TIME YOU FINISH LISTENING, YOU’LL DISCOVER:
- The five most common regrets people have at the end of their lives
- Why Jesus warned against “bigger barns” thinking—and what to build instead
- One step you can take today to start living for what really matters
Don’t wait for a crisis to reorder your priorities. The good news is—you can live with purpose now and finish with peace later.
NEED PRAYER?
If this episode stirred something in you, I’d be honored to pray for you.
Click “Send me a text” at the end of these show notes or leave me a voicemail by tapping the microphone icon in the bottom right corner at www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com. I’ll hold your request in confidence and pray for you regularly.
https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com/voicemail/
Luke 12:16–21
If this podcast encourages you, consider becoming a monthly supporter—your gift helps me keep sharing God’s Word and bringing these devotions to life each weekday. Become a supporter today.
Connect with Bart
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/dailydevotionsforbusylives
Website: https://www.dailydevotionsforbusylives.com
Feeling spiritually drained? Start here. Download your free copy of my eBook Making Time for Jesus here.
Bronnie Ware is a palliative care nurse in Australia who spent years sitting beside people in their final days.
And one day, she started asking a simple question:
“If you could do it all over again, would you do anything differently?”
She wasn’t trying to be morbid—she genuinely wanted to know what mattered most at the end.
What she heard changed her life. And I think it might just change yours too.
Welcome to Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. I’m Bart Leger.
Today, we’re talking about something heavy—but necessary: how to live now in a way that leaves no regrets later. And we’ll hear what Jesus had to say about a man who got everything he thought he wanted—only to lose what mattered most.
And now, the rest of the story.
Bronnie Ware’s patients weren’t thinking about money, titles, or the size of their houses.
They weren’t worried about whether their car had leather seats or Bluetooth.
Here are the top five regrets of the dying she heard over and over again:
- I wish I’d had the courage to live a life true to myself, not the life others expected of me.
- I wish I hadn’t worked so hard.
- I wish I’d had the courage to express my feelings.
- I wish I had stayed in touch with my friends.
- I wish I had let myself be happier.
Isn’t that sobering?
And yet—Jesus told a story that hits the same point.
It’s in Luke chapter 12. Here’s a short paraphrase.
“A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. He said, ‘I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I’ll have enough to live on for years. I’ll relax, eat, drink, and be merry!’ But God said, ‘You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get everything you worked for?’”
“Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God.”
Jesus wasn’t criticizing planning or success.
He was pointing to a much bigger truth: If you spend your life chasing the wrong goals, you might reach them—and still miss what matters most.
I think about Bronnie Ware’s list and how closely it matches Jesus’ warning.
We work so hard for things that don’t satisfy.
We try to please everyone but ignore our own soul.
We hold back our feelings. We let friendships drift.
We wait for happiness instead of choosing it.
But friend—you don’t have to live that way.
You can reorder your life today.
You can build your days around what lasts.
You can walk closely with God.
You can tell your family how much you love them.
You can leave work a little early and call a friend.
You can choose joy instead of just staying busy.
And when you do, you won’t just live well—you’ll step out of this life with peace.
So here’s today’s challenge:
Take five minutes.
Sit still.
Ask yourself: If today were my last day, what would I regret most?
Then bring it to God.
And let Him show you how to live with zero regrets—starting now.
“Lord, help me see my life the way You do. Show me what matters most—and give me the courage to live that way today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
If this episode challenged or encouraged you, would you share it with someone you love? It might be the reminder they need to start living for what truly matters.
Thanks for joining me today on Daily Devotions for Busy Lives. Remember—real peace comes from living with eternal purpose. Come back next time for more encouragement to help you live grounded in God’s truth. Till then, God bless, and have a great day!
