Weekly devotion: How can we turn from despair to hope?
MERATH, Lebanon
Syrian refugees in the Bekaa Valley, Lebanon. Credit: Hussein Kassir, via Dreamstime.
Lebanon has faced a wave of successive crises over the past few years. The devastating economic crisis, now in its fifth year, has been further exacerbated by the recent Israel-Hezbollah war. Back in May 2024, a report by the World Bank found that poverty in Lebanon had more than tripled over the past 10 years.
In the depths of winter, humanitarian needs increase across Lebanon. Please pray for our partner, Middle East Revive and Thrive, as they roll out their humanitarian winter programme. They are distributing urgently needed items – such as blankets, mattresses and heating fuel vouchers – to help Syrian refugees and vulnerable Lebanese families to keep safe and warm this season.
Bible reading
Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
29 He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
30 Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
31 but those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint.
Isaiah 40:28-31
Thought
We are all living in challenging and uncertain times. The catastrophic economic and social crisis in Lebanon may feel insurmountable to us – and yet our God is sovereign over all kingdoms, rulers, authorities and problems.
Ask yourself: In this time of challenge, how can we fix our eyes on God and turn from despair to hope?
Prayer
Faithful God,
We commit to you people living in difficult circumstances in Lebanon. As the dreaded winter closes in, we pray that these people will know the warmth of your love and the tenderness of your care. We pray for your rich blessing on the vital humanitarian efforts of our partner.
We thank you that you are a God is not aloof from suffering, but you are intimately acquainted with sorrow and grief.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Get the latest updates from our partners in the Middle East
Stay up to date with the vital work our partners are doing in these challenging times:
Inspired by what you read here? Share it on social (don’t forget to tag Embrace!):