242 These Sufferings Cannot Compare to the Glory of God, A Guided Christian Meditation on Romans 8:18-25

Guided Relaxation / Guided Meditation:

Breathe and direct your thoughts to contacting God. Let your stomach be a balloon inflate, deflate.

Bible verses for Meditation:

Romans 8:18-25
ESV
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
19 For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.
20 For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope
21 that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.
23 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.
24 For in this hope we were saved. Now hope that is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he sees?
25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience.

KJV

18 For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
19 For the earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God.
20 For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who hath subjected the same in hope,
21 Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.
22 For we know that the whole creation groaneth and travaileth in pain together until now.
23 And not only they, but ourselves also, which have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption, to wit, the redemption of our body.
24 For we are saved by hope: but hope that is seen is not hope: for what a man seeth, why doth he yet hope for?
25 But if we hope for that we see not, then do we with patience wait for it.

Meditation on Scripture:

I do not believe that the collaborative scourges afflicting the world right now are meant to destroy us or even divide us. That may be the case with some people. For us who have placed our trust in God and work to draw near to him, we can actually grow amidst this struggle. This scripture indicates how the sufferings of life will not matter when we see it compared to the Glory of God. I dare say we can even grow and learn things in this life in the midst of the difficulties of life which cause us to embrace the hope of God even more and which we could not have done without the struggle. These glories will be revealed in us through God’s spirit. The aspect of us that is the creature, or the natural fallen nature, gives way to the glorifying spirit of peace which helps us rise up. Although we feel the labor pains of the birth of the new creature, the end result of the redemption of our God is glorious. Take a moment and feel the goodness of God well up in your heart now

We can be free. Free. Free in every way that one can be free. Hope grows within us even when we can’t see this end result. I encourage you to consider ways that you have already grown during this time of struggle. Look for the blessings and strength of God in your life today. If you feel that this time has caused you to slide backwards, rededicate yourself with the knowledge that this earthly suffering does not need to overcome your spiritual progress. If you have noticed spiritual progress, look how you can expand it with God’s help.

Meditation of Prayer:

Pray as directed by the Spirit.

Dedicate these moments to the patient waiting, when you feel ready ask God for understanding you desire from Him.

Meditation of God and His Glory / Hesychasm:

I invite you to sit in silence feeling being patient for your own faults and trials.

Summarize what insights you have gained during this meditation and meditate and visualize positive change in your life:
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Updates:

Final Question: How have you responded to the difficulties you have experienced ove the last few months?

Final Thought: Even now, inside us there are pieces of unresolved undeveloped creaturehood. The spirit of God is what roots that out of us and helps us continually reject the less than holy influences that attack us as we await a unified and complete adoption of the father. The simple fact is that these sufferings in our life are not a representation of the lack of God’s love or understanding. They are obstacles that, with God’s help we can learn to climb over and become stronger and close to Him. I know that God loves you and wants the best for you. May you feel that blessing in your life.

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