Strength.

Strength.

For those of you who don't already know, my wife Sarah has had more than her share of medical problems. The specifics don't matter, but for the first couple years of our marriage, it seemed like we she was constantly in and out of the hospital. Sometimes she would be there for a day, other times it was for a few weeks. During these trying times, I was always strong, encouraging, hopeful and there for her. Somehow I kept my cool and was able to make wise and level headed decisions. These decisions were difficult to say the least and by far the toughest I've had to make.

On the inside though, I was scared, stressed, worried, doubtful and hurting. Many times after she was settled for the night and under the nurses care, I would slip away into the hospital chapel. Thankfully, for the sake of others, it was empty every time I went in there. Once I got there, I lost it. I didn't know my body contained that much snot and tears. My body ached from the strain of crying and I prayed until I didn't know what else to say. These weren't rehearsed prayers either, they were prayers of desperation.

After I was finished, somehow there was peace. It's completely inexplicable. There was a peace and calmness. I felt strong again. I knew we would make it. During these times, God was near.

I encourage you to read all 1 Samuel chapters 29 & 30 for the entire story, but I have included a key passage below. Seeking God during these times will provide you with strength for the journey. It's a peace that goes beyond understanding (Phillipians 4:6-7). God is near the brokenhearted (Psalms 34:18).

Without this strength, I know we wouldn't have made it.

1 Samuel 30:6
⁶ Now David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him, because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and his daughters. But David strengthened himself in the LORD his God.

The song, "Please be my strength", by the band Gungor, has been great for me. Please watch/listen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5VI0pkRBPZw GungorMusic.com