"New Life"

The times I lied and tears I cried,

What I did and what got done,

The times I tried and odds defied,

Seemed always on the run.

When things went well and then to hell,

I reaped what I had sown,

No doubt I fell but lived to tell,

What I had always known.

Forgiveness came, chased out the shame,

The start was clean and clear,

God made His claim for Jesus’ fame,

And He was always near.

Though once beguiled was reconciled,

The devil lost his hold,

What he defiled became God’s child,

Restored to Jesus’ fold.

So never doubt He’ll bring you out,

Of the prison house you’re in,

And with a shout, the Spirit stout,

Will make new life begin.

“This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life has gone; a new life has begun!” (2 Corinthians 5:17, NLT)

People are searching for a new life without recognizing its source. They often try to fill their emptiness with something materialistic or sensualistic thinking that will do the trick. But peace is illusive and no matter what one accumulates the pleasures of this world may be enjoyed for a season but always come up short. Jesus promises us both abundant and eternal life, and this begins when we make a proactive surrender to Him. By dying to our egotism we learn to live, and by relinquishing control we gain everything we need. The sooner this happens the better!

Lord, help us find the new life You died and were raised to give us, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Kenneth Wyatt, used by permission. Thanks, and God bless.