I love the word “new,” don’t you? It makes me think of new shoes, new clothes, new experiences, and fresh anticipation. It is a word that brings hope. “New” stirs up in our souls the anticipation of something wonderful!

The Psalmist wrote, “Sing to the Lord a new song” (Psalm 149:1).As I have been meditating on those words, I’m struck by how badly across the globe, in the wake of 2020 and the worldwide pandemic, we need hope. We need the anticipation of “new” in our lives. The beauty is, that is exactly what the resurrection of Jesus brought.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus…

We have new life (2 Corinthians 5:17).

We have new hope (I Peter 1:13).

We have new boldness (Ephesians 3:11-12).

We have new power (Ephesians 1:19).

According to Romans 8:11, the same power that raised Jesus from the dead now resides in all those who have put their faith and trust in Christ. The Holy Spirit now dwells in those who follow Jesus. His power in us is incomparable to any other power. Yet, it’s easy in the chaos of life to forget that we have this great power available 24/7.

So, the question is, where do you need a resurrection?

Do you need…

A Resurrection of Joy? There’s been a collective heaviness since the beginning of the pandemic. Not only did we have a global pandemic, but then, at least here in the United States, we had racial injustice and riots. We had the most polarized political election in US history and a violent riot at the Capitol. Here in Colorado, we had a mass shooting in one of the grocery stores. Mental illness, depression, and anxiety have been rising at alarming numbers. You can feel the heaviness around you as our society grapples with all the difficulties of the past year.  We need a resurrection of joy. As you focus on the resurrection leading up to Easter Sunday, set your focus on the joy that the resurrection brings. New life in Christ. New boldness. New energy and new joy. Read a verse from Scripture each day this week that focuses on the joy the resurrection brings.

A Resurrection of Peace and Calm? Relax. It’s going to be okay because Jesus is still on the throne. He sits at the right hand of God and everything is under His control. It may appear that evil is winning. It’s not. Set your hope on Jesus. One time those following Jesus asked Him, “What is the work God requires?” Jesus answered, “The work of God is this; to believe in the one He has sent” (John 6:29).One theologian I read said that one way to translate the word “believe” is “relax.” In other words, the work of God for you and me is to relax and trust that Jesus is in control. I don’t know about you, but that is profound for me!

A Resurrection of Purpose? I don’t know about you, but during the pandemic, it’s been easy to get paralyzed. Events shut down. We saw people far less. Churches closed and online services became the thing. It’s possible that you found yourself drifting. Sort of floating from one day to the next, merely surviving. Our purpose Biblically is clear. God created us to love Him and to do the works that He ordained for us to do (Ephesians 2:10). He has appointed and anointed you to bear fruit both internally and externally. He’s appointed you to show His love to others. You have purpose. The resurrection of Jesus gives you a clear purpose. If you’ve lost your sense of purpose, spend some quiet moments with the Lord this week and ask Him to rekindle in you a sense of His calling.

Friend, as we head into Easter, sing to the Lord a new song! Rejoice. Be glad. The resurrection brings renewed joy, hope, and purpose! And hey, if you enjoy these Monday morning devotionals, would you encourage a friend to sign up for them? They can simply go to my website www.beckyharling.com and enter their email address for the free gift. I would love it if each one of you recommended this to one friend. Let’s spread hope together!