The Day Creation Groaned

“We know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains…until the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly…the redemption of our bodies.” Romans 8:22-23.

Yesterday was the first day I had the opportunity to walk on the beach since Hurricane Irma. It was truly a humbling experience as I saw that Irma’s relentless power had flattened the beautiful dunes. Previously, beach sea grass stood at attention atop these dunes swaying in the breeze of the coast. Walkways on beach accesses had been torn apart and scattered like pick up sticks. The beach was peppered with numerous starfish ripped apart. I know that we were spared in a miraculous way and cannot imagine the lives that were torn apart like those wooden walkways. I began thinking of the devastation of creation, and how it must be groaning as it limps along to recover. Previously, the beautiful waters calmly sneaked up on the shore, and then just as quietly retreated back into its home. But on that day when Irma struck their world became tumultuous and filled with floating debris dangerous to its residents. Marine-life that lost its fight in a violent end was evident along the stretch of the beach.

We all have Irma’s in our lives that come in with such relentless power disrupting our lives and bringing dangerous circumstances into our waters. Our emotions and fear rise into unprecedented swells that threaten the beautiful shores of our lives. It commands our attention and washes away those earthly anchors in which we place our hope. Just like those dunes, earthly anchors get flattened in the storms. Just like the starfish, we are ripped apart in our suffering feeling as if we are left for dead. But the good news is that God comes along in our storms, and if we cannot get back to our calm waters He will pick us up with His gentle hands and return us to calm seas. He is our anchor and our hope, and we can count on God calming every storm that may arise.

“He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea were hushed. They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven. Let them give thanks to the LORD for his unfailing love and his wonderful deeds for mankind.” Psalm 107:29-31.