“We ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope, we were saved.” Rom. 8:23–24
Lord Jesus, it’s a holy honor to walk with friends who can “groan inwardly” together. Who but the Holy Spirit can free us to ache without reservation, lament without embarrassment, sit in each other’s stories of loss and feelings of vulnerability? What but the Gospel can enable us to listen without fixing, and offer more presence than answers?
Jesus, we’ve never been more eager for your return. On that Day, your tear-wiping hand will complete its work. Death, mourning, crying and pain will be gone forever (Rev. 21:4). We will be totally sin free, and fully like you—as hard as that is to imagine.
Everything in the cosmos will be made right, new, and beautiful. The entire earth will be filled with the knowledge of your glory. The barren places will be forested with hand-clapping trees. Desolate hills and mountains will sing and shout with incomparable joy (Isa. 55:12). Hurry here, Lord.
Because of this grand hope, we choose not to tune out, numb out, or check out. We choose to show up, bear our hearts, and bear each other’s burdens.
Lord Jesus, even though there’s no epidural or anesthesia to eliminate the pain of life in this fallen world, you are with us and for us. We’ll never know a Christ-absent day, even as we intensely long for a pain-empty world. So very Amen we pray, in your tender and triumphant name.
