Choosing Hope - All Our Daily Bread Daily Devotionals for 2026

Our Daily Bread - Monday, October 27, 2020
by RBC Ministries

Details

Choosing Hope

Bible in a Year: Jeremiah 12-14, 2 Timothy 1

But as for me, I watch in hope for the Lord.
Micah 7:7

Today's Scripture & Insight: Micah 7:2-7

I am one of millions of people worldwide who suffer from SAD (seasonal affective disorder), a type of depression common in places with limited sunlight due to short winter days. When I begin to fear winter's frozen curse will never end, I'm eager for any evidence that longer days and warmer temperatures are coming.

The first signs of springâ€”flowers successfully braving their way through the lingering snowâ€”also powerfully remind me of the way God's hope can break through even our darkest seasons. The prophet Micah confessed this even while enduring a heart-rending "winter" as the Israelites turned away from God. As Micah assessed the bleak situation, he lamented that "not one upright person" seemed to remain (Micah 7:2).

Yet, even though the situation appeared dire, the prophet refused to give up hope. He trusted that God was at work (v. 7)â€”even if, amid the devastation, he couldn't yet see the evidence.

In our dark and sometimes seemingly endless "winters," when spring doesn't appear to be breaking through, we face the same struggle as Micah. Will we give into despair? Or will we "watch in hope for the Lord"? (v. 7).

Our hope in God is never wasted (Romans 5:5). He's bringing a time with no more "winter": a time with no more mourning or pain (Revelation 21:4). Until then, may we rest in Him, confessing, "My hope is in you" (Psalm 39:7).

By: Lisa M. Samra

Reflect & Pray
Where do you find hope in dark times? In what "winter" season has God given you the hope you needed?

Heavenly Father, during difficult seasons of life, it's easy for me to be discouraged; in those hard times, help me place my hope in You. And in every season of my life, help me share with others the peace found in life with You.

More From Our Daily Devotional Archives

The LORD is near
for Wednesday, December 25, 2013
by Jacob Redekop, Brian Reynolds, John van Dijk, Eugene P. Vedder Jr

Having opened their treasures, they offered to Him gifts, gold, and frankincense

"Having opened their treasures, they offered to Him gifts, gold, and frankincense, and myrrh."
(Matthew 2:11)

When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, and when the tidings reached the guilty tyrant who sat upon the Jewish throne, he "was troubled and all Jerusalem with him." The men of the city had...More

Open Heavens
for Sunday, March 2, 2014
by Pastor E.A Adeboye

NEGATIVE LIVING

Life comprises of positive and negative elements. As a matter of necessity, it is not good for someone to opt for negative living. The fact that Jesus Christ was destined to die for the sin of the whole world does not exonerate Judas Iscariot from the evil that led him to the idea of betraying the King of Glory....More

Our Daily Bread
for Sunday, July 22, 2018
by RBC Ministries

Hope Anyway

Read: Psalm 34:15-18 | Bible in a Year: Psalms 31-32; Acts 23:16-35

God's Word is the true source of comfort.

By Dave...More

The LORD is near
for Monday, March 7, 2023
by Jacob Redekop, Brian Reynolds, John van Dijk, Eugene P. Vedder Jr

Don't Quit

These all died in faith Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.
Hebrews 11:13, 16 NKJV

Don't Quit
Hebrews 11 has been called the "Heroes' Hall of Faith." It presents illustrations of faith, not in an abstract way, but in the real...More