In the last month, there have been newscasts of horrific weather conditions around the world. Reports include record winds and tornadoes in the Mid-west, flooding in Southern states; a devastating typhoon in the Philippines and drought fires throughout the Western parts of the US. These catastrophic weather reports are only a small part of the catalyst aggravating the groaning process of Earth.

We are faced with a failing US dollar, record unemployment rates, wars and rumors of wars. All things God-related have been banished in favor of self-love and gratification. The definition of sin has been abandoned and replaced with Nike’s “Just Do It” motto.

”We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.” (Romans 8:22)

Why wouldn’t earth be groaning?

We have buried the cross of Christ in favor of earthly lifestyles, beliefs, immorality and self-absorption. The earth is backing up with the sewage of mankind’s blind indifference, deceit and intolerance to anything and anyone conjoined to God.

The nations of the world readily embrace everything and anything not affiliated with Christianity or godliness.

The tendency of human nature is to eventually trip over the same things.

I don’t see the events of history as repeating themselves. I believe it is the historical sins of human nature that repeat themselves. The Bible is filled with scenarios of the earth groaning under the weight of mankind’s sin and the outcome that follows. Our groaning earth can be summed up in one scripture.

“None is righteous, no, not one. No one understands; no one seeks God.” (Romans 3:11)

We are not unlike the Israelites who wandered through the desert, or the residences of Sodom and Gomorrah who sought to live by their own ways and desires.

Trees weep, Earth mourns, animals cry, the wilderness groans.

All of creation is sensitive to the natural world and joins in the groaning for the hope of restoration and a new creation. Everything from the stars to the sea cries out for liberation and a new beginning. God too is in pain and His ears are not deaf to the groans of humanity and cries of creation.

God stands ready to liberate creation and restore life in all its fullness.

The groaning of God’s Spirit is described as “silent sighs”. The word “sigh” has a much stronger force in its Scriptural usage than in our modern conversation. A “sigh” is an inarticulate declaration, too deep for words; an indistinct cry for deliverance.

From the depths of Earth to the sanctuary of the heavenlies, God’s Spirit is groaning in anticipation of new life.

“The LORD looked down from his sanctuary on high, from heaven he viewed the earth, to hear the groans of the prisoners and release those condemned to death.” (Psalm 102:19-20)

There is hope!

If you are expecting God to drop a pant-load of heavenly fairy dust on your life, think again. God has only one plan and one plan only. It is for new life and restoration; the acceptance of His son, Jesus, as your Redeemer. When God’s Spirit lives within us our Earthly groans are in unison with God’s plan for all of creation.

And what is that plan? It is restoration of the heart, mind, soul and body in accordance to God’s Word. It encompasses redemption, forgiveness and righteousness. When the fulfillment of God’s plan is complete, the Earth will no longer groan; it will rejoice.

Are you groaning in unison to God’s plan?