Groaning, Yet Eagerly Awaiting

I have told you these things, so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33

I’ve never had a dog that was a groaner until now. My lab can be peacefully lying on the floor and for no apparent reason she suddenly breaks forth with a long, deep groan.  She is audibly giving testimony to what Paul describes in Romans 8. Creation is eagerly waiting for the sons of God to be revealed. It’s waiting for its liberation, which will occur at the return of Jesus Christ. Right now, however, creation groans in frustration because of its bondage and decay that resulted from man’s sin. Occasionally when my dog groans, I say to her, “Chloe, are you ready for Jesus to come?”

This week I talked with a friend who is facing a major crisis that could alter her life permanently. She said to me, “The thought came to me, I don’t want to lay down my perfect life. Then I thought I’ve never had a perfect life, but I’ve had the dream of a perfect life, and I don’t want to give that up.” Obviously, my friend knows this side of heaven there is no such thing as a perfect life. But isn’t it true that we all have a dream of what we want our life to be, and it’s difficult to let go of that dream?

Paul compares the groans of creation to that of a woman in childbirth. A woman groans deeply because of the pain, but she groans in hope and expectation of something wonderful that is to come. Presently we live in an imperfect world that causes many groans, but believers do not groan as those without hope. Paul says we groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies (Romans 8:23). We wait in expectation with assurance that Jesus will come and liberate us from this world of suffering and pain. 

LORD, You are our Great Liberator. In the midst of present suffering, strengthen us with the assurance  that no eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what You have prepared for those who love You (1Corinthians 2:9).

Jan Burkhart