Romans 8:23: Not only that, but we also who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, eagerly waiting for the adoption, the redemption of our body.
We also groan because of the misery of living in our fallen bodies in this fallen world. Ray Stedman writes:
Our lives consist of groans. We groan because of the ravages that sin makes in our lives, and in the lives of those we love. Also we groan because we see possibilities that are not being captured and employed. And then we groan because we see gifted people who are wasting their lives, and we would love to see something else happening. It is recorded that, as he drew near the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus groaned in his spirit because he was so burdened by the ravages that sin had made in a believing family. He groaned, even though he knew he would soon raise Lazarus from the dead. So we groan in our spirits—we groan in disappointment, in bereavement, in sorrow. We groan physically in our pain and our limitation. Life consists of a great deal of groaning. 1
Application
- What pain or sadness causes you to groan deep within?
- For every painful groan, we should also groan a sigh of relief, knowing God has given us a reason to be hopeful for the future because we are His adopted children.
Prayer
Lord, thank You for the certain future hope with You for all eternity. My soul is looking forward to leaving the turmoil of earth for the peace of heaven.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
