GROANING

Have you heard the groans lately?  On every side, I  hear them and those include the ones I utter.

The long winter in the midwest drew groans with every snowstorm.
Trees groan under the weight of ice or wind damage.
Flowers groan that they had to  remain in the dark to keep warm.
People groan over medical tests, job difficulties, treatment options, surgery, family.
Animals groan as they age.

What is the definition of a groan?
* to make a deep sound because of pain or some strong emotion (such as grief or disappointment)
* to say something that expresses annoyance or unhappiness
* to complain about something

Does this sound familiar?  Have you been groaning over something lately?
There is no need to be ashamed of groaning (except the complaining part of it - that has to go).  We are human.  We can groan in our dismay.

Listen to what scripture says:

'All creation anticipates the day when it will join God's children in glorious freedom from death and decay.  For we know that all creation has been GROANING…right up to the present time.  And we…also GROAN to be released from pain and suffering.  We, too, wait anxiously for that day when God will give us our full rights as His children including the new bodies He has promised us." 
                                                                                                                                      Romans 8:18

So, feel free to groan - you  have good company - all of creation.  In the process, let's not forget:

 '…in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. '
                                                                                                                                 Philippians 4:6-7

'Reflection of God's Glory' copyright 2014 by Dawn Ulmer, dawn49097@gmail.com