Weekly devotion: Finding joy and strength in times of overwhelm
Damaged apartment buildings in Aleppo (February 2023)
One year since the earthquake that devastated parts of Turkey and northern Syria, life is still incredibly hard for many families. The media crews may have moved on to the next disaster, but thanks to your generous donations to our appeal, our local partners are still working hard to help people in northern Syria.
Many families are still living in temporary accommodation, as the earthquake destroyed or destabilised many buildings. Many have lost their jobs and have no means to support themselves. And of course, many continue to struggle with the trauma of losing loved ones and suffering from severe injuries.
In response to all of this, local churches in Syria that we support are helping with the slow process of repairing badly damaged homes. They are continuing to give out much-needed food parcels, hygiene kits and monetary support. And they are providing vital psychological care to many who desperately need it.
Bible reading
‘Be assured that from the first day we heard of you, we haven’t stopped praying for you, asking God to give you wise minds and spirits attuned to his will, and so acquire a thorough understanding of the ways in which God works. We pray that you’ll live well for the Master, making him proud of you as you work hard in his orchard. As you learn more and more how God works, you will learn how to do your work. We pray that you’ll have the strength to stick it out over the long haul—not the grim strength of gritting your teeth but the glory-strength God gives. It is strength that endures the unendurable and spills over into joy, thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.’
Colossians 1:9-12 (The Message)
Thought
One of the many inspiring things about the local churches we support in Syria is that they are in it for the long haul. Despite being faced with huge problems and untold human suffering, they are still there, working together to serve people in need and bringing hope to dark situations.
As the above verses in Colossians remind us – beautifully retold in The Message paraphrase – God never leaves us on our own. We can cry out to him each day, remembering that his compassions are new every morning (Lamentations 3:23), and that he will fill us with the strength we need to continue serving him.
Ask yourself: Have you ever felt overwhelmed or burnt out? As Christians, how can we renew our strength and continue to serve God joyfully?
Prayer
Loving God,
We lift before you the families and individuals in northern Syria who were affected by the devastating earthquake last February. Our hearts break as we think about the unspeakable loss and suffering they have experienced. May you surround them with your love, and be their comfort and refuge.
We pray for the continued work of the local churches that Embrace supports in Syria. We thank you for their love, service and dedication. May they be your hands and feet, and may you hold them fast and renew their strength as they minister to the needs of others.
Help us to be faithful in remembering the people of Syria in our prayers. May you continue to fill us with your Holy Spirit. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on your Son and to draw on your unending supply of strength and grace.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Stories from Syria
Want to find out more about the projects Embrace supports in Syria? Head over to the Stories section of our website to hear from the people whose lives are being impacted.
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