“Because He Lives” – A Resurrection Sunday Reflection

Resurrection Sunday is the day we pause to celebrate the victory of life over death, hope over despair, and love over sin. This morning, my heart swelled as we prepared to sing the cherished hymn “Because He Lives.” The familiar melody and timeless words have been a part of my spiritual journey for as long as I can remember. But today, those words held a new resonance.

As we sang, I recalled another version of the song by Matt Maher I stumbled upon last night. His heartfelt proclamation, “Because He lives, I am alive! I am alive!” stirred something deep within me. These words echoed not just in my mind but in my spirit. And they led me to ask myself: Am I truly alive? Am I living with the joy of knowing that God is in control, that His plans are perfect, and His love never fails?

This Resurrection Sunday, I am reminded that He still resurrects—not only in the monumental act that split time and history—but within us, here and now. When our hearts are weary and our spirits downcast, His resurrection breathes healing and hope into our lives (Psalm 34:18). His promise that “I am the resurrection and the life” (John 11:25) is not only eternal but profoundly present in our daily struggles.

Balancing Gratitude with Real Problems

Life is a paradox at times—overflowing with blessings, yet weighed down by real, tangible problems. The joy of knowing God is with us doesn’t negate the need for solutions to life’s challenges. But perhaps, resurrection living means holding both truths in tension: Gratitude for His faithfulness and trust in His guidance through our struggles.

As I ponder this, I’m drawn to Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” There is a divine assurance here, a reminder that even when life feels uncertain, His purpose is unwavering.

Living in Resurrection Joy

But what does it mean to live? Truly live? For me, it means leaning into the joy of His sovereignty, trusting that even in the chaos, His hand is at work. It means embracing each day as a gift, filled with opportunities to love, serve, and reflect His grace. Galatians 2:20 reminds us that “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me.” If Christ’s resurrection power is alive within us, how can we not live with a joy that transcends circumstance?

Living also means stepping into the here and now with purpose. As I reflect on the intricacies of God’s creation, from the changing of the seasons to the breath in our lungs, I am reminded that every moment is a chance to glorify Him. Colossians 3:17 encourages us: “And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

New Ideas for Resurrection Living

• Cultivate a Daily Practice of Joy: Begin each day by declaring, “I am alive because He lives!” Write down three reasons to rejoice in His love and faithfulness. Gratitude shifts perspective.
• Serve with Resurrection Purpose: Seek out ways to bless others with the hope you have received. Whether it’s lending a listening ear, volunteering, or simply sharing encouragement, let your life be an extension of His love.
• Anchor Yourself in Scripture: Meditate on passages that remind you of His resurrection power and promises. Romans 8:11 says, “If the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies.” Let this truth fuel your faith.
• Embrace the Present Moment: Life is fleeting. Celebrate the small blessings, the beauty of a sunrise, the laughter of loved ones, and the opportunities to grow. These moments are whispers of His eternal goodness.

So, as we proclaim today that Christ is risen, let us also rise—to live, to hope, to trust. Because He lives, not only are we alive, but we can live fully, with joy and purpose, knowing that His plans are greater than our struggles. This Resurrection Sunday, I choose to live boldly in the light of His love. Will you join me?

“Because He lives, I am alive!” What a beautiful truth to live by, today and always.