22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 23 And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit,
groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Romans 8:22-23 ESV)
Are you groaning?
Groaning from sin that surrounds you?
Groaning from the sin that is within you?
Groaning from physical aches, pains, and chronic health problems?
Groaning from emotional wounds, struggles, and conditions?
Groaning because so much of life feels like (or is!) a struggle.
Well, the good news is that God has a wonderful remedy …
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:1-4 ESV)
Be encouraged. This time is coming. And while we don’t know exactly when, nothing will stop it from happening, for it is God’s will.
So, hold on. Don’t lose hope. The end of your groaning is coming.
And please notice how in verse four it says, “He (God) will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” If you have been blessed by a tender mother or father, you can probably recall how comforting it was for them to acknowledge your sadness and tears and to gently and lovingly wipe your tears away. And this is the very example that almighty God chooses to encourage us and to let us know that when He makes all things new and dwells with us in the New Jerusalem there will be no more sadness, crying, or tears, for He will have wiped them away. And all our groaning will end.
Listen, life can be hard. It is also brief. For while sixty to eighty years may seem like a long time, they pass quickly. And before we know it, we will all be with the Lord. So, take heart and press on for the Lord. Fight the good fight and finish the race well (2 Timothy 4:7-8). And know that God understands your groaning, and you will soon see that He has a wonderful, merciful, and gracious remedy for it.
In Christ’s love,
Pastor Rob