Focus

Take a few minutes to push the “pause” button on whatever is going on around you and be still with God.

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Read

Romans 8:18-24 (NRSV)

I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory about to be revealed to us. For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the children of God; for the creation was subjected to futility, not of its own will but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and will obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now; 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 is seen?

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Reflect

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning in labor pains until now…” The first time I read that sentence, the only word that came to mind was: PREACH. Every time one turns on the news, there is a new story about civil wars causing the deaths of thousands of people, or about schools that are completely underfunded and neglected, or about earthquakes and tornadoes and hurricanes wreaking havoc on villages, towns, and neighborhoods. It seems like the statement “groaning in labor pains,” when referring to the world as we know it, has never been quite as true as it is now.

We are supposed to “hope for what we do not see, and wait for it with patience”? I feel confident that this will come as a great shock to those who know me, but patience has never been my strong suit, so this was a tough passage for me. The good news is that the scriptures tell us to have hope. Having hope does not mean that things will immediately improve nor does it replace helping others who are having a tough time or who need love and support. We should hope for the good that we do not see, because we trust in God and in the ability of God’s humanity to show compassion, empathy, and love.

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Pray

Dear Lord, help us to “hope for what we do not see, and wait for it with patience.” Amen.

Go with God.