New Life, Now and Forever

Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 
Romans 6:8 (ESV)

If you’re like me, you probably struggle with anxiety and worry more than you’d like to admit. But you don’t have to linger in feelings of hopelessness, fear, or worthlessness—ever. Why?

Your union with Christ is both deep and complete.

Romans 6 describes a spiritual fusion uniting us into Christ’s death and His resurrection. Our participation in the death of Jesus ensures our participation in His resurrection. 

Often, Christians focus strongly on the crucifixion of our “old self,” but forget that we have also been raised with Christ into new life (see Eph. 4:24). Our spiritual death liberates us from sin and our spiritual resurrection grants us new, abundant, permanent life in Christ. 

Embrace your new identity because this new life with Christ is both contemporary and eternal. We have been given a new life now. So despite difficult feelings or circumstances, you can live a life that pleases God and points others to Christ. 

Worry tempts me frequently. We all experience feelings of anxiety, depression, or temptation, but that is not our identity. We have been given the mind of Christ, and through the Holy Spirit, Christ lives both in and through us. 

Life will not be worry-free or easy. But whatever we face, we overcome as Christ would— through His abiding love, perspective and power. 

You also possess a promised future and final resurrection. This hope anchors you even in the darkest of thoughts or temptations: No matter what happens now, one day Jesus will make things right in your life and the lives of those around the world. 

Your union with Christ covers everything and lasts eternally. Yes, you have died with Christ, you’ve also begun your eternal life with Him, in the present. Take hold of your new, abundant life now and forever.

Prayer: Father, I am grateful that Your eternal life has brought me to life. Guide me to speak and live through the grace and power of your Holy Spirit. Remind me that I am no longer a slave to sin, and teach me what it means to think, feel, and act from the mind of Christ You have given me. In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.