Sometimes we grumble. Sometimes we groan. But sometimes we’re too weak to even groan.

First, there’s a big difference between a grumble and a groan.

A groan is a deep sigh, or moan. A grumble on the other hand is a complaint.

Our groans comes with an admission that we don’t understand. Our grumbles assert that we do understand, and think it’s bitterly unfair.

Groans are the language of the Spirit; grumbles the language of the flesh.

Groans are a type of prayer; grumbles like filing a complaint.

It’s okay to groan. “For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. 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” (Romans 8:22-23).

But what about when we are too weak to even muster a groan? What about when we have lost hope?

If you have lost hope, take heart. When we are so down that we cannot even muster a groan, look what happens…

“Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God” (Romans 8:26-27).

Who is this amazing God who cares so much for us that He would groan for us when we’re too weak to even groan for ourselves?