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Groaning

Romans 8:22-26 (NIV)
We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently. 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 with groans that words cannot express.


The whole world is filled with groaning. There were a large number of victims because of a cyclone in Myanmar and the earthquakes that took place in Sichuan, China and recently in Japan. Since people lost their loved ones and their possessions, their mourning and groaning is spreading everywhere. The Scripture says in Romans 8 that there are three kinds of groaning.


1. Groaning of creation (Ro 8:22). 혻
Why does creation groan? The environment where we live was cursed after Adam and Eve disobeyed God's command, committed sin, and fell (Ge 3:17-18). Since then, the devil who is the ruler of the kingdom of the air has been leading this world to destruction (Jn 10:10). Earthquakes, famines, floods, and the groaning of creation has been endless. Furthermore, pollution of the air, soil, and water has caused the sky, the land, rivers, and seas to die, and multitudes of people are dying from disease, starvation, and environmental disasters.


2. Our groaning (Ro 8:23).
Human beings as well as creation continually groan. After we believe in Jesus, a conflict begins within us between our old self and our new self (Ro 7:21). The conflict takes place in us when we try to follow the Word of God but follow our own thoughts and selfishness. We know that we should follow the will of the Lord, but in reality, it is not easy to do this, so we cannot help groaning (Ro 7:22-24). So what shall we do? In order to overcome our old self, we must rely on the Cross of Jesus (Gal 2:20). By the power of the blood of the Cross, we have to be healed from our old thinking, our old habits and ways of life, and overcome our problems. The blood of Jesus changes our lives. With absolute faith, let us live a victorious life over the devil until we get to the kingdom of heaven.


3. Groaning of the Holy Spirit (Ro 8:26).
The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Jesus and comes into our hearts as soon as we believe in Him. He is always with us to help us until we arrive at the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, in order to live a victorious life, we should make an effort to be filled with the Holy Spirit continually and be sensitive to His voice. When we do not listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit but live according to our own will and thoughts, we face trouble. Welcome and accept the Holy Spirit. Acknowledge the Holy Spirit in all things. Pray, praise, and give thanks always (Heb 13:15). Be filled with the Holy Spirit at all times (Eph 5:18). Remove formal and habitual faith, and live a life that is pleasing to Jesus in everything (Mt 6:33). Then all things will go well with you, and you will be prosperous (3Jn 2).


The whole world is overwhelmed by groaning. Jesus is our only hope in this world full of despair. May we not listen to the groaning of the world but to the voice of the Holy Spirit who is groaning on our behalf. May we become people of the Holy Spirit who are sensitive to His voice.