For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. Romans 8:22
Groaning is an expression of pain, an ache so deep there are just no words. We brought about pain through rebellion from God. And the painful effects of sin touch, not only ourselves, but ripple throughout mankind. But Adam and his descendants are not the only ones that suffer the consequence of sin. Even the earth, God’s beautiful creation, has suffered under the weight of man’s sin. Genesis records that the ground was cursed because of Adam1. It remains cursed because of me.
While we experience beauty and glimpse His glory in nature, we also see clear evidence of decay, trauma and misuse. We have marred the canvas that God gave to us and creation groans at our iniquity.
But groaning can also be uttered in anticipation. When overwhelmed by eager expectation, we may groan as we await a significant arrival or outcome. Childbirth encapsulates the groan of both pain and anticipation.
This is the poetic imagery Paul uses in conveying, not just the magnitude of our sin, but also the hope of redemption. Amidst the scarring of our landscape, trees still clap their hands in praise, rocks sing out, and all of creation points to His glory. Did not creation sing at the incarnation, when Christ was born and God walked the earth? Did it not rise up in praise at the resurrection, when chaos and death were reversed?
Just as the creation will be liberated from bondage, so will we. We groan together as in the pain of childbirth, with expectant hope of a new thing.
For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling. 2 Corinthians 5:2
I groan in anticipation of redemption – of creation, of our bodies, of our very lives. I groan because it hurts here – and because I can’t wait for it to be made right.
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. Romans 8:23
The pangs of labor are fierce - but God has promised a new thing to those who believe. Our groans are joined with the groans of creation, and we can find encouragement in the hints of beauty that will emerge in due time. Hints of His glory that will birth a new body in a new heaven and earth – and in which all groaning will cease.
- Cursed is the ground because of you. Genesis 3:17 ↩︎
