The last several weeks or so have been especially challenging for me. I took a trip up to Alaska to spread my dad’s ashes along his favorite river and then headed to Vancouver to catch a cruise. But I got extremely ill and just came on home. I landed in the hospital very sick.

They have sorted out the real bad stuff and I am home recuperating. I do need to see some super specialists and face some scary tests, but I believe I am on the other side of the mountain.

I share all that to remind myself and you that there are times when we just must find our own encouragement from the Lord. At 2 am, my hospital room was loud with all kinds of buzzing, and there wasn’t someone there sharing scripture with me. No one was teeing up my spiritual music or holding my hand while I prayed. It was just me and the Lord.

There is a story in the Old Testament that speaks to this issue. It is in I Samuel 30 where David finds himself greatly distressed because his two wives (and many others) had been kidnapped by the Amalekites. While everyone around him was frustrated and bitter, David paused and “found strength in the Lord His God.”

Seven chapters earlier, in another tough situation, Jonathon “helped David find strength in God” (I Sam. 23:16). But this time, David was able” to plug in” for himself.

And I did too. May I share a thought or two on how it works for me?

First, I went to prayer. Prayer for the doctors, all the staff, those who were reading the labs and tests. Prayer that my body would respond positively and quickly. And I prayed for all those on my “lists.” I prayed for those sick, those who have recently lost a loved one, for my church staff and other pastors I love and admire. I prayed for those who need to come to Christ, those who have wandered away, those who are treading water spiritually. I just kept praying.

And then I began to quote scripture to myself. I went to passages, not single verses. I needed something to occupy my mind, so 6-8 verses did just that. I knew that I was jumbling up some words, but I didn’t care. Close enough, my mind and heart got the idea.

And then I started singing in my mind. I leaned on my beloved old-time hymns and then hummed through my current favorite choruses and contemporary songs. And soon I realized that I had “encouraged myself in the Lord.”

So, if this week you find yourself buried in a pile of tough circumstances, do what David did. Do what blessed me. Pray big time. Review scripture in your mind. Enjoy the spiritual songs that are hidden in your memory. He is faithful and He will show up!