Reading: Romans 8:18-27
Reflective Thoughts
Speechless
The diagnosis came; it’s cancer. Unemployment Adds Nine Million Uninsured in U.S. The kids were sick again when we woke up; I’m so tired and frustrated. Over 12000 Missing or Dead in Japan Quake. She won’t forgive me; I’ve lost her. Seven Children Die in Pennsylvania Farmhouse Fire. I still can’t find work; I’m not sure how next month’s bills will be paid. Japan Nuclear Workers Race to Stop Meltdown. The divorce is final. UN Urges Military Review after Airstrikes Kill Nine Children. We buried him on a beautiful, sunny day …
Did you ever not know what to say when all creation groans? We speak these little idioms for those moments. “I’m sorry for your loss.” “It will all work out in the end.” Sometimes we use Scripture in awkward fragmented ways: “God works all things for your good if you love Him…” It’s not that any of what we say is untrue-it’s just incomprehensible that we must say it in the first place-because none of this was meant to be.
The good news is that the Spirit of God within you says what needs saying in groans that are appropriate to your pain-even when you have no idea how to express it. This is the God who said, “Let there be Light” and there was. When you’re hurting, hold on to hope-He knows what to say, and however bad it gets, it won’t even compare to how good it will be.