DAY 23 | KNOWING SO ž

centering thought

“The world’s definition of hope centers on a ‘hope-so,’ while the believer’s definition centers on a ‘know-so.’”

encouragement from God’s word 

Read: ROMANS 8:18-25

devotional direction

Is there any ear that can’t detect the daily, earth-rumbling groans? Divorce still affects one in two couples: groan. Addiction to prescription pain killers is on the rise: groan. Politicians dig in their heels and refuse to work together: groan. Millions of children continue to live in abject poverty: groan, groan, groan. All around us, all of creation is groaning, it seems, straining against the only reality it knows: Pain. Suffering. Incompleteness. Strife.

It would be logical indeed to take in this situation and cave to depression and despair. Wouldn’t anyone of sound mind agree that the outlook is bleak?

Into this dynamic, the apostle Paul speaks: “Against its will, all creation was subjected to God’s curse. But with eager hope, the creation looks forward to the day when it will join God’s children in glorious freedom from death and decay.”

Did you catch the powerful, four-word phrase that serves as the fulcrum for your life and mine? “But with eager hope ...”

But with eager hope, marriages can be mended.

But with eager hope, addictions can be broken.

But with eager hope, children can be fed.

But with eager hope, all of creation will be restored. 

Yes, the groans we hear and feel are real. But so is the hope that sustains us, that eclipses every last groan with a grin.

question to ponder

In what aspect of your life will you claim “eager hope” today?