“For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling, if indeed by putting it on we may not be found naked. For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
“So we are always of good courage. We know that while we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord, for we walk by faith, not by sight. Yes, we are of good courage, and we would rather be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him.” 2 Corinthians 5:1-9
“For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 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. For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.
“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.” Romans 8:22-27
Paul understood the emotional and physical grumble and crank of life. Constant opposition, pelting criticism, the strain on the body of fatigue, endless travel, punishment. Indeed, he knew the groaning of body and soul. But he also knew, and pressed on because of, the abiding presence and intercession and hope of the Holy Spirit. He walked by faith, content in every circumstance because of what he believed. The guarantee of an eternal blessed inheritance was ample to fortify his daily resolve, giving strength, perspective, and perseverance for immediate challenges. (2 Corinthians 11:23-29; Ephesians 1:1-14; Philippians 4:11; Hebrews 11:1)
Everyone who follows and serves Christ bears daily burdens of responsibility and trouble. We necessarily suffer, but have hope to carry and sustain us. What defines our days? What do our attitudes and expressions indicate about state of soul? Are we known to frown, complain, and sigh? To repeatedly recite difficulties, pulling others into a downward depressing vortex of negativity? Or do we tether our very real groaning to heavenly hope, yearning and persevering because of the glory that awaits? What does the Spirit’s intercession and guarantee for us do to secure and uplift our faith? (Matthew 11:28-30; Ephesians 1:13-14; 2 Timothy 3:12)
The ministry of the Holy Spirit is sure and abiding. His seal on our hearts is a pledge of everlasting joy. What difference is He making in present circumstances?
O Lord, may any groan be heavenward, my hope and praise in and for You and Your glory.
As the rain and snow 