Hey, Beautiful Souls!
Today, March 21, 2025, we’re in the thick of Lent—a season about reflection, renewal, and cozying up to Jesus. We’re on this “Journey Through Lent: 40 Days from Ashes to Alleluia” (March 5–April 19, 2025), and I’m so happy you’re here with me. Lent is like a holy reset button, a chance to peel back the old and step into something new. And 2 Corinthians 5:17? It’s our anthem for that. This verse is God whispering, “You’re not who you were—you’re Mine, and you’re new.” So grab your journal, and your coffee or tea, and let’s dig into what it means to be a new creation in Christ this Lent.
I love how Lent sneaks up every year, don’t you? Just when winter feels endless, here comes this invitation to pause, reflect, and let Jesus do His thing. It’s not always easy—40 days can feel like forever when you’re giving up chocolate or scrolling less—but it’s so worth it. This season, I’ve been thinking a lot about what “new” really looks like. Not just a fresh haircut or a clean slate, but something deeper. Something only Jesus can pull off. Ready to explore that with me?
2 Corinthians 5:17 (NIV)
Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!
This verse sits in a letter Paul wrote to the Corinthians—a church wrestling with division, sin, and identity. He’s reminding them (and us) that Christ rewrites our story. The “therefore” ties back to verses about reconciliation—God’s work through Jesus to bring us back to Him. It’s not just poetry; it’s a declaration. The phrase “has come” is past tense in Greek—done, finished.
The moment we’re in Christ, the shift happens. And “here” isn’t a distant promise—it’s now. Lent’s timing makes this even richer. As we journey through these 40 days, we’re living out that shift, step by step, from Ashes to Alleluia.
Meaning of “New Creation”
So, what’s the new creation in Christ all about? Paul’s not messing around here. When we’re in Jesus, it’s not a minor fix—it’s a total redo. The Greek word kainos means new in quality, not just new in time. Picture a caterpillar becoming a butterfly. The old you—poof, gone. The new you—alive in Christ. Lent’s the perfect time to lean into this. These 40 days are about ditching the heavy stuff and embracing the freedom Jesus brings. What’s your “old” you’re ready to let go of?
For me, the “old” has been a mixed bag. Sometimes it’s guilt over snapping at my husband. Other times it’s the weight of comparison—scrolling Instagram and feeling like everyone’s got it together but me. Sound familiar? Paul says that’s done. Finished. The cross took it all, and now we’re new. Not perfect, mind you—beautifully broken messes, sure—but new. Lent’s like a magnifying glass on that truth. It zooms in and asks, “What’s holding you back from living this?”
Being “In Christ”
That tiny phrase—“in Christ”—is everything. It’s not about what we do; it’s about where we stand. Rooted in Him, we’re changed. Think of it like a flower thriving in good soil. Lent calls us to sink deeper into that soil. We don’t earn this newness; we receive it. Ever feel trapped in the old? Me too. But Jesus doesn’t leave us stuck—He’s already hit reset with the cross. Our part? Trust and let it happen.
I’ve been chewing on this lately. Being “in Christ” isn’t a one-time thing—it’s a daily choice. Every morning, I get to wake up and say, “Okay, Jesus, I’m Yours. Make me new again.” Lent amplifies that. It’s 40 days of choosing Him over the noise. Over the hustle. Over the lies. And the best part? He’s right there, every step, whispering, “I’ve got you.” Where do you need to lean into Him today?
Table of Contents
My Reset Moment
Here’s another raw and real Creative Jesus Girl moment for you. A while back, I was a mess. Late night, the house asleep, me on the couch crying over spilled milk—figuratively. Guilt, chaos I probably created, and a voice saying, “You’re failing.” That was the old me, loud and mean. Then I stumbled on 2 Corinthians 5:17. It felt like Jesus plopped down beside me and said, “That’s not you anymore. You’re new.” It wasn’t overnight, but it started something. Lent brings me back to that every year—a chance to shed the lies and claim the new. What’s your messy moment Jesus wants to meet you in?
I’ll never forget that night. The house was quiet, but my head was a storm. I was holding on to stuff I had already given to God, and living with the guilt of hanging on to it. And It felt like I couldn’t stop this repeating pattern —and the shame was crushing. I grabbed my Bible, not even sure what I was looking for, and there it was: the old has gone, the new is here. I scribbled it in my journal, tears smudging the ink.
It wasn’t magic—I still have to be very careful to not fall back into that old pattern, but that night there was a seed planted. Lent is my annual reminder that those seeds keep growing, even when I can’t see them.
Journaling the New
And speaking of journaling it’s time to get creative! Being a new creation in Christ isn’t just for your head—it’s for your hands too. Grab your journal, pens, and maybe some paint, and let’s play. Write out 2 Corinthians 5:17. Doodle the “old”—chains, dead leaves—then flip the page and sketch the “new”—birds, blooms. Use colors that scream renewal (I love teal and gold). Pray as you go: “Jesus, what’s new in me?” Bible journaling is my worship jam—it’s how I process this faith stuff. New to it? My Free Creative Lent Resources has your back this Lent.
I started journaling years ago when words weren’t enough. There’s something about putting pen to paper that untangles my soul. It’s not about being artsy; it’s about meeting Jesus in the mess. Try it this week. Pick one “old” thing you’re releasing and one “new” thing you’re claiming. Draw it, write it, pray it. How does it feel to see your faith take shape?
Living It Out New Creation in Christ
How do we make this real? Here’s how to step into your new creation in Christ this Lent:
- Reflect: Take 5 minutes daily with this verse. Ask God what’s old and what’s new today.
- Journal: Write one “old” thing to release, and one “new” truth to hold. (Free Creative Resources)
- Simplify: Clear a cluttered spot—desk, mind, heart—and invite Jesus in.
- Share: Tell someone what He’s doing in you. It’s powerful out loud.
Pick one and go for it. I’ve been simplifying lately—cleaned out my junk drawer last week and found a peace I didn’t expect. Silly, right? But it’s true. Lent’s about making space for the new. I also shared this verse with a friend over coffee, and her eyes lit up—she needed it too. These steps aren’t big, but they’re mighty. What’s one you’ll try?
Free Creative Resources
I’ve got goodies for you, Creative Jesus Girls! They are always available free to download and I add to the free creative resources nearly weekly.
- Free Lent Resources: Snag my Lent printable for new creation in Christ vibes.
- Scripture Journaling Kit: Templates and fun stuff for your Bible time.
- 40-Day Journey Through Lent: From Ashes to Alleluia
Love this? My Patreon’s got exclusive journal prompts and chats—join us! These resources are my heart on a page—crafted to help you grow closer to Jesus through creativity. I’ve poured hours into them, and I’d love for you to dive in.
Prayer for 2 Corinthians 5:17
Dear Jesus,
You’re the maker of all things new, and I’m so thankful. Thank You for taking my mess and calling me a new creation in Christ. This Lent, help me drop the old—fears, doubts, junk—and grow something fresh with You. Hold my sisters reading this too. Show them their newness, wrap them in love, and lead us closer to You these 40 days. We’re Yours—keep us growing. Lord, steady our hearts as we walk this season, trusting that Your power makes us new every day. Give us eyes to see the beauty You’re crafting in us, even when we stumble.
In Jesus’ Name, I Pray,
Amen.
Final Thoughts, Connect & Share
Embrace New Creation in Christ This Lent with Grace
Lent’s a slow, sweet journey, and I’m here with you—broken, new, and all in for Jesus. 2 Corinthians 5:17 is our lifeline—where’s it pulling you? Comment below—I’d love to chat.
Share with a friend—hit those social buttons! Tag @CreativeJesusGirl on Instagram, Pinterest, YouTube, TikTok, Twitter, Reddit, and LinkedIn with #CreativeJesusGirl for more faith-filled encouragement. I’m Debbie, a Jesus girl living for Him and sharing my creative faith—have a peek at or join us on Patreon!
