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Chris Tomlin “Is He Worthy?” Devo

“For we know that all creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. And we believers also groan, even though we have the Holy Spirit within us as a foretaste of future glory, for we long for our bodies to be released from sin and suffering…” Romans 8:22-23 (NLT)

When my wife was pregnant with our first daughter, we waited eagerly in anticipation. Nine months is a long time when you are waiting, preparing and worrying about what’s to come. There is seemingly so much to worry about: from the health of the baby to the readiness of us as parents. But nine months flew by, and the promise of our baby was fulfilled. Holding her in our arms made the waiting worthwhile and worries disappear.

In so many ways, the journey of the Christian life is very much like that of the pregnant mother. We know we have the beautiful Spirit of Christ living inside us, and we have the assurance that He is doing deep, invisible work. Yet, we hold out for the promise of heaven. We wait. We prepare. We worry.

We read the headlines. We watch the news. We scan social media. It’s all the same. The devastation, tragedy and injustice threaten to overwhelm us, and we wonder: Where is God in all of this?

Like Romans 8 attests, creation is groaning, collectively wondering when the tide will turn. Even on our best days, we can still sense that this world is not our home. And there’s a reason for that. This broken world was never meant to be our final destination.

Amidst the world’s darkness, however, a light shines brightly, reminding us hope is here. And that hope has a name—the name of Jesus. He is bringing heaven to earth right now, every single day. He is the only one who is able to make all things new—even as we wait.

It’s true we live in a dark, broken world, but Jesus has overcome the world. He alone is worthy to be praised. 

Is all creation groaning? It is.

Is a new creation coming? it is.

Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? It is.

Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? It is.