Creation groaning

Norah Summers May 14, 2026 1 0

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Romans 8: 18-25 (NIV-UK)

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. 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.

Last week’s focus on creation, and the idea of it gradually loading, was powerful.

Creation did not happen ‘as if by magic’ — it took eons.

We switch on our various devices and expect an instant response, first from the machine to fire up, then from the information we are seeking, be it a website we want to consult or an expected reply to a message.

We fret and drum our fingers and occasionally shout at the poor machine (or is that just me?). It does seem to have a mind of its own, which is scary.

Life itself can feel like that. We can’t see past our own limited timeframe.

But God’s time is different.

Sit back.

Take a deep breath.

Count to ten.

Do not worry.

Consider the lilies of the field.

Keep watch.

Take heart.

“Our eyes are fixed on the Lord our God.

Wait for the Lord, his day is near.

Wait for the Lord, keep watch, take heart.”

(From Taizé, it can be found in Church Hymnary 4, 276)

Prayer:

Loving God,

teach us to see that your perspective is not as ours is,

and that you have all the time in the world for us.