Even the most dedicated follower of Christ is likely to experience moments or seasons of hopelessness. No less a figure than the apostle Paul wrote about being burdened to the point of despairing even of life itself (2 corinthians 1:8). Yet Paul explained that this happened for a good purpose—so that he would learn to rely on God rather than on himself (v. 9).

The idea of finding hope in despair may sound self-contradictory. But as Our Daily Bread Ministries Bible teacher Bill Crowder points out in the following pages, there is a kind of hopelessness that can actually turn into a real hope for new days, new ways, and a joy that lasts forever.

Mart DeHaan