Resurrection Groanings and Hope: A Lenten Meditation

SCRIPTURE And not only the creation, but 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. Now hope that is seen is not hope. Romans 8:23-24

THOUGHT Typically, Advent is the season of longing and Lent the season of preparation and remembering. Today I find myself mixed up, like a tulip bulb planted upside down. Resurrection hope in my heart cries out, “when, Lord Jesus, when?”

The kairos in me groans at chronos, the clock’s ticking and the calendar’s turning. I long for the fullness of time; for yearning to be fulfilled and tears wiped away; for final reconciliation, for full adoption, for complete redemption of our bodies. I am pregnant with longing, as is all of creation says Paul, and it’s uncomfortable.

But I am reminded that God’s thoughts and ways are not ours. The clock still ticks and the calendar turns, and we still find joy in the midst of suffering. Babies are born, the gospel bears fruit, and we have comfort to offer because we have been comforted. For every new fear or sorrow, our hope must stretch and grow, because hope that is seen is not hope. As we grow more pregnant, the only answer is hope that expands with our condition.

PRAYER God over death and resurrection, we pray your perfect time is soon, but we are willing to stay here in our groanings, inviting your Kingdom to come on earth, even as it is in heaven. Enlarge our hope, we pray.