I've written before about a section of this scripture called Wordless Groans. It was one of those writings I wrote for myself, and I continue to re-read it in various seasons. We can divide Romans 8:18-30 by the "groanings" discussed: (1) Creation groans (verses 18-22); (2) We, believers, groan (verses 23-25); (3) The Holy Spirit groans (verses 25-30). Three "Groans"
Creation Groans
18 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. 19 For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. 20 For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope 21 that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God. 22 We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.
Not only did the fall cause suffering and death for humanity, but also for creation itself. Too often, we believe the lie that the sin itself will only affect us, and what's around us will be spared. Not so. Galatians 6:7-8 grounds us in this truth: "Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life."
The redemptive news is creation will be delivered. Just as labor pains produce a child's birth, so too the groanings of creation will transform into a glorious state again.
We, Believers, Groan
23 Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption to sonship, the redemption of our bodies. 24 For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what they already have? 25 But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.
A few years ago, my uncle and I went to Seattle. As coffee lovers, we visited the Starbucks Reserve Roastery and took part in a tasting. You receive a "flight" of various coffees — just enough to take in the aroma and flavor — to taste and enjoy. The tasting is just that: a taste. It only partially satisfies you and only partially fulfills you. We, believers, have received a taste of what's coming through the promised Holy Spirit. "Taste and see that the Lord is good," Psalm 34:8 tells us. Meanwhile, we wait and hope for eternal glory. Because we know what is to come, the believer isn't to get frustrated as she sees and experiences suffering and pain in this world because she understands the blessings of heaven.
The Holy Spirit Groans
26 In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. 27 And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God's people in accordance with the will of God.28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. 29 For those God foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters. 30 And those he predestined, he also called; those he called, he also justified; those he justified, he also glorified.
Wordless groans. It is comforting to know that the Spirit is working on our behalf when the valley of silence is dark. I have wandered a rugged path lately, but I have found sufficiency in this truth: God is victorious. Even when I am adrift and taken by the riptide, God is stronger. Even when it feels like the old ways have gripped me, nothing can pluck me out of His hand. God foreknew me, sculpted me in the hidden place, and predestined me to be like Jesus. Even when it doesn't feel holy, it is still sacred. I belong to Jesus, and so do you, beloved.