A Time of Release and Resurrection

Behold, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness and streams in the desert. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland. For I am about to do something new.

Isaiah 43:19

The Lenten season is coming to an end. The cross stands tall as we gaze at our Savior, who died and rose again so that we can live. The gift He offers is one of freedom, a life of loosening our grip on what pulls us down. A life of new beginnings and fresh, resurrected faith!

Release (synonyms): discharge, liberation, let go

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

John 8:36

There are quite a few things that I need to release – like control and worry and trying to figure things out. And yes, Facebook is one of the activities I need to decrease; the hold has been too tight lately.

Is anything holding you too tightly? It could be something physical like food. How about a habit? Perhaps it’s social media or that late-night sugar binge. Maybe unnecessary obligations? Shame or regret or unforgiveness? A toxic relationship?

His heart for us is freedom and the cross is the place to lay down what is holding us down.

What must you release to bring more of God into your life? Like me, you probably already know, but I encourage you to sit in prayer and ask God what needs to go. In Him, we have been set free!

Resurrection (synonyms): restart, revitalize, resuscitate, revive

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.

2 Corinthians 5:17

After release comes resurrection.

Many of us are in a kind of resurrection season. After the worst of the pandemic began to clear and the world opened, we felt revitalized and renewed, so grateful to live in this big world again. That is certainly true for me. But it is much more than the pandemic clearing; it is the beautiful healing happening in my body and mind. A springtime experience of feeling like myself again as the Lord continues to revive me.

As Christ followers, we may practice resurrection throughout the year, not only during the Easter season. Jesus tells us He came to give us a new and abundant life (John 10:10). In Ecclesiastes, we find words about seasons and new beginnings (Ecc. 3:1-5). Isaiah says God gives us a fresh start (Is. 43:18-19).

Is there something needing revival in your life? Take the time to look up the previous scriptures and ask the Lord to infuse His resurrection into you.

A new day is a new beginning.

And isn’t spring a perfect reminder of this truth?