Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Micah 7:18-20 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

Two years ago, during Advent, my father, then 80, went into hospital for a quadruple heart bypass. We were deeply concerned about whether he could endure the operation, knowing there was a real risk he might not survive. After being prepared for surgery, he was taken from us to the operating theatre. That moment of separation brought a strange mix of emotions—worry for his wellbeing, yet comfort knowing he was in the right place receiving the care he needed.

Once the surgery was underway, all the family could do was wait. There is always that uncomfortable sinking feeling that comes with worry and the endless rehearsing of the outcomes of what might be, whether good or bad, as well as the hope of good news.

Our reading from the prophet Micah today captures that same emotional turmoil as he reflects on how we fall short of what God would want from us and deserve the justice from God for our sinful ways of believing we don’t need God and serving our own wants and needs. You can almost feel the churning stomach as the words talk of waiting for the judgement of the Lord even though there is hope of salvation.

I remember vividly the phone call from my mother: my father was out of surgery, and everything had gone well. The relief and joy were overwhelming. The churning anxiety vanished, replaced by peace and gratitude. The closing verses of Micah 7:18–20 mirror that feeling, celebrating God’s grace and forgiveness—our sins cast into the depths of the sea, never to be seen again.

Yet there’s a key difference between my father’s surgery and Micah’s message. The outcome of the operation was uncertain. But with God, we have assurance and hope. We can be confident in the promise of forgiveness from a faithful God.