Anchored In Peace

Growing up, I always loved going to church on Easter Sunday. My mom would buy me a beautiful Easter dress with a bonnet and shawl, and we would excitedly drive to church. Upon arrival, we would see all of my relatives, who filled the church with laughter and warmth, creating an atmosphere that made the day truly special. We lived two and a half hours away, so visiting with my grandma and other relatives was always a highlight, where we would share stories, enjoy a delicious meal prepared by my grandma, and then go to my aunts farm and play with all of the cousins. The memories of those family gatherings, the sweet scent of spring flowers, the hum of my grandma’s voice, and the cheerful hymns resonated with me long after the day ended, making each Easter a treasured part of my childhood.

Of course, growing up in church, I knew Easter was more than just the candy and family fun that often dominated the holiday celebrations. My heart was filled with gratitude for all that Jesus did for me and continues to do every day. Because of Him, I could embrace the promise of eternal life, a gift that was beautifully given. I never had to worry if I was going to heaven; the assurance that Jesus was and is living inside of me filled me with peace and joy. This understanding transformed my perspective, making every Easter not only a celebration of resurrection but also a reminder of the profound love and sacrifice that makes up my faith. Each hymn sung and each prayer uttered reinforced the beauty of His amazing grace. Oh, how I love Jesus; my Savior and my best friend.

Because of Jesus, We are Saved

Romans 10:9 says: “that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.”

John 3:16 says: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”

God loves us so much that He gave His only Son to die in our place. Jesus willingly left heaven to take on human form, live as a mortal, experience everything we would ever experience, and did not sin. Love kept Him on the cross. Because of Jesus, we are not condemned to perish as a result of our sin. He bore every sin we would ever commit upon His back and it was nailed to the cross. As we come to Jesus and ask for forgiveness, He forgives us our sins and we will live eternally with Him.

Because of Jesus we are Delivered

Colossians 1:13 says: “He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.”

2 Timothy 4:18 says: “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom…”

Psalm 34:19 says: “Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all.”

Jesus’ finished work on the cross ensures us that we are delivered from the evil works of the enemy, providing not just immediate salvation but also ongoing protection in our daily lives. Jesus is our rescuer, saving us from the evil snares set to entrap us. We are delivered from the bondage of sin and death, liberated to live a life full of joy. Because of Jesus, we are delivered from fear, worry, anger, and anything else that would steal our peace, allowing us to rest in the assurance that He is in control. Jesus is our shield, protecting us from all harm and delivering us from the plans of the evil one, ensuring us we can trust Him.

Because of Jesus we are Set Free

John 8:36 says: “Therefore, if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.”

Luke 4:18 says: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Jesus came to set the captives free by breaking the power of sin, death, and darkness by His life, death and resurrection power! The chains of fear, anxiety, depression, anger, or addiction can no longer hold you captive. Their power has been stripped away and you have been set free! The chains are no longer holding you back. You are free! You only need to learn how to walk in that deliverance. By meditating on the Word of God and speaking forth His word, you will learn to renew your mind and walk in victory! Jesus wants you to live an abundant life full of the benefits He has given you.

Because of Jesus We are Healed

Psalm 103:2-3 says: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases.”

Matthew 10:1 says: “Jesus called his twelve disciples to him and gave them authority to drive out impure spirits and to heal every disease and sickness.”

Jeremiah 30:17 says: “For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds, says the Lord….”

God is our ultimate healer, healing us from physical, emotional, and spiritual sickness that can often burden our lives and hinder our journey. Because of the stripes Jesus bore on His back, we have been healed. It is a testament to the love and sacrifice He made for us. When Jesus walked the earth, He went about healing all who were diseased, demonstrating not just His divine power, but also His compassion for those who were sick. His miracles give us hope when we face adversity, inviting us to trust in His ability to restore our bodies.

Conclusion

The reminder of past Easters brings so much joy to my heart. But the One thing that gives me even greater joy is remembering everything Jesus gave up so I might have life. Because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross we are saved, delivered, set free and healed. We no longer have to live our lives defeated and listening to the lies the enemy feeds us to make us think otherwise. Every chain that binds us is broken in Jesus’ name.

My prayer for you today is that you will embrace the true meaning of Easter. Turn your eyes and gaze upon the cross. Take a moment to reflect and cherish the blessings you have because of what Christ has done for you. Allow His peace and love to fill every area of your heart and mind, transforming your worries into hope and your burdens into blessings. You will find peace and warmth in His presence. He loves you so very much.

Happy Easter!