Groaning and Hoping

We know that the whole creation has been groaning together as it suffers together the pains of labor, and not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly while we wait for adoption, the redemption of our bodies. For in hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope, for who hopes for what one already sees? ~ Romans 8:22-24

Does it seem like creation is groaning? The earth? It's creatures?

There is much to groan about. As humans we have taken God's good creation for granted. The earth warms because of all the carbon we put into the atmosphere. There are animals that are becoming extinct. Water that is being polluted. Diseases that are spread due a distrust of science.

Poverty reigns while the rich get richer. Authoritarianism is on the rise.

The Apostle Paul also lived in a time when the world groaned. He himself had much to groan about: illness, injury, imprisonment,...

And yet what he clung to was hope. Though not a parent himself, he was able to echo the comparison Jesus made of the joy that comes when a woman who has been in labor gives birth.

Are we perhaps in labor now? Or maybe you've already been through that. Maybe you already have birthed hope and joy despite the circumstances or any groaning you've been feeling.

God is in the business of redemption. Scripture promises that God is making all things new. So while the world is groaning, we wait in hope just as Paul did.

If you begin to doubt that - if hope becomes elusive - latch on to the hope of another. Take comfort from a loved one. Spend quiet time with your creator.

And know that the Spirit is at work in you and that yourself may be the hope for another.

God of hope and redemption, help me today to put my trust in you whenever I begin to groan. Amen