A Whole Lot Of Groaning Going On

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God." (Romans 8:18-27)

Creation groans, our bodies groan and Christians groan through a heavenly prayer language - there's a whole lot of groaning going on. However, this passage is a hope-filled section of Scripture. Paul mentions the groans because without them there is no appreciation for the total restoration of all things. As Michael English sings, "There's Not A Crown Without A Cross" - there's not any glorification without groaning first.

Paul, having the true nature of hope pouring through his pen, leads off this passage with - "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." (Romans 8:18) This begins to turn our attention away from the non-solvable problems that worry us so much in life and places our focus on more glorious days to come. 

Creation is going to receive a glorious make-over or upgrade by The Creator, but is awaiting Christ's glorification of His children first. In the meantime, the earth and all of nature groans in its own ways more frequently and with increased intensity as that day approaches (i.e. earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, global heat, volcanic eruptions, etc).

• "For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God."

Believers in Christ await their transformation into their glorified bodies, completing the full manifestation of our adoption as kids of the King. While here on earth - the thoughts, actions and words of the Christian should be the outward display of their decision to follow Christ. I believe after true believers are with the Lord and each other in Heaven, the white robes representing the right-standing with God through Christ that we wear will also display all the Godly character He has bestowed upon our personality. We will literally wear our emotions and everything else on our sleeve, for there are no pretenses in Heaven.

• we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved.

Finally, while we struggle here on earth to connect with people and try to say the right thing, at the right time, to benefit the troubled - there are also times we have difficulty in knowing what and how to pray or communicate to God on any given thing. Fear not. The Lord has given us hope now and forever more through His Holy Spirit.

• "We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God."

The inclusion of the Holy Spirit in the process is crucial in the believer's daily life and when trying to make a difference in this world the Holy Spirit's involvement makes Proverbs 15:23 very enjoyable and meaningful - "A person finds joy in giving an apt reply -- and how good is a timely word!". 

From my experience, I attempt to help someone by showing or telling what someone else of respect did. Other times I show or tell what I did in the situation. But if both instances did not have direction from Jesus or the Holy Spirit interwoven into the instruction - the apt reply and timely word is dulled at best. Replying to anyone about anything should come from a foundation in God's Word. What Would Jesus - Think, Say or Do? - should be at the tip of the believer's brain or thoughts before we think, say or do anything. In the meantime, I expect there is A Whole Lot Of Groaning Going On.