I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. Romans 8:18-21
Heavenly Father, first of all, please know we don’t presume on the privilege of calling you Abba, Father. What a sacred, comforting and joyful privilege. It’s only because of what Jesus has done for us that we claim such intimacy and security. How we praise you for adopting us into your covenant family and writing us into your glorious future. What matchless grace and living hope you’ve given us.
Indeed, Father, holy ache and eager expectation flood our hearts as we meditate on the future you’ve planned for us and for the whole of creation—a future that puts our sufferings and anguish, confusion and disappointments into perspective. Just when we start doubting your mercy and might, yet again, the Spirit starts groaning within us, and we reconnect with our hope. May our groaning become much, much louder than our whining.
“Glorious freedom”—that’s our destiny, that’s our inheritance. May those two words be tattooed on our hearts; an irrepressible melody in our spirits; the lens through which we see all things and participate in your work in the world. Not just “freedom” but “glorious freedom”—freedom filled with your glory!
No more frustration or decay will be found anywhere or in anyone. Mountains will dance and trees will clap their hands. Justice and mercy will flow like a mighty river through the new heaven and new earth. All of your children will be as lovely and as loving as Jesus. Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
Father, right now, a lot of things hurt, a lot of things don’t make sense, a lot of things don’t add up, but when we consider the glory to be revealed, the mathematics of your mercy trump the calculations of our self-centeredness. In the midst of decay, we want to be for your delight. In the frustrations of creation, let us savor the firstfruits of your salvation. Rather than being weighed down by our present sufferings, we want to be hope-filled by our future liberation. So very Amen we pray, in Jesus’ strong and saving name. Amen.
